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Severe Storms Ravage Art Weekend but Bayfield is Open and Welcoming Travelers
Chamber trying to assist artists hit by storm - Relief Fund Established
(Bayfield, WI) Severe thunderstorms, high winds and possible funnel clouds uprooted trees, ripped part of the roof off the Catholic Church, knocked over display tents, destroyed artists booths, blew art out over Lake Superior to the Apostle Islands and ravaged the 44th Annual Bayfield Festival of the Arts Sunday. Several minor injuries were reported and electrical power was disrupted until Monday morning.
"We have initiated a clean-up effort to pick up and recycle the debris," said Cari Obst, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce. "We are also starting a fund* to aid artists who lost entire booths and months of work. However by Wednesday things in Bayfield will be back to normal."
"On Sunday when the storm cell hit without warning, Bayfield businesses, volunteers, art patrons and residents responded quickly. In small towns everyone lends a hand. Thanks to them, the community is up and running again. We took a big hit when the storm came through, but we're pretty resilient. It's times like these that bring out the very best of "The Best Little Town in the Midwest".
"We want to thank all the people who helped artists as the storm hit and those who jumped in to save and salvage as much as they could. This is a community that has a very special bond with artists and now we're going to do whatever we can to help them recover and get back into business quickly.
Obst said that the Chamber is networking with friends and using it's contacts to find tent and display sources that will give special prices to artists that suffered losses in the storm. She said that donations will be accepted to help artists get back in business. The Chamber has established a fund to receive donations *"The City of Bayfield Disaster Relief Fund" at Bremer Bank, Bayfield WI 54814. For further information call the Chamber 800-447-4094
"Obviously, dozens of pieces of irreplaceable artwork were ruined or blown away, and that is tragic, " Obst said. "But beyond a few minor injuries, we're thankful that no one was severely injured or killed.
"Bayfield is back up and running, and we'll do whatever we can to help the artists recover too," she said.
Bayfield is located on the shores of Lake Superior and is considered the gateway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. The town has earned a reputation as a colorful, charming and friendly community. Artists, sailors, fishing enthusiasts, kayakers, musicians and outdoor lovers have made this their home. Several years ago, Alan Solomon, a writer for the Chicago Tribune, spent weeks on the road in search of "The Best Little Town in the Midwest." Bayfield was his top choice.
For a free Bayfield Travel Guide go to www.bayfield.org or call 800-447-4094.
Media Contact:
Gary Knowles
608-231-3884
Openair@aol.com |
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