Publisher’s Perspective

By Tim Douglass, Publisher of the Pope County Tribune

Welcome to all who come to the Glenwood area this week to help us celebrate the 67th  annual Waterama.

Waterama has continued to attract large crowds to the Minnewaska area because the community is committed to the celebration in a way that sustains it year after year.

It doesn’t just happen.

There are hundreds of volunteers who give of their time to organize, plan and carry out the annual celebration.  It is impossible to name them all, but we can start with the Brass, or leaders of the celebration.  This year’s Brass consists of Admiral Terry Jones, Commodore Angie VanZee and Vice Commodore Sarah Iverson.

Those three join the ranks of 67 years of leaders who have volunteered much of their time for at least three years of commitment to the annual celebration.

What is really telling is that many of their predecessors continue to work for Waterama, even after leaving their posts.  And  many of the former admirals and commodores continue working on the local celebration long after their time in leadership roles.

That, too, is one of the reasons this community can boast hosting Waterama for 67 years.

We thank them all.  It is no small commitment to volunteer to be chosen to serve Waterama as a member of the Brass, or any of the other positions, including the hard-working and committed Waterama board.

That board meets monthly year round to make sure the annual celebration comes together for all to enjoy.  All of the volunteers deserve a heartfelt thank you from locals and visitors alike.

This year’s Waterama will prove to be another successful event thanks to all of them and to the many local businesses and individuals who financially sponsor or support the many activities offered during Waterama.

It is truly a community effort, and we recognize the efforts of many, including visitors who come to Waterama each year to enjoy the lake, the parks, the resorts and motels, the Waterama celebration and all the area has to offer.

We welcome all to the community and thank you for coming and enjoying this area.  The local efforts made to this special week and to Waterama is a way for the community to extend the welcome mat.

We hope you enjoy the week and, if possible, come back often.  This community has a lot to offer and continues to be a great place to visit and an even better place to work and live.