World Choir Games (Cincinnati, Washington: buying, movies, floor)

[kjbrill]

For those who still think the World Choir Games are a flop, take a look at this.

'The games and this town are incredible' | Cincinnati.com | cincinnati.com

And with cooler weather for the 2nd half it should be even better received, especially with the word out it is the place to be.

[deg1114]

Originally Posted by wrightflyer

Thank you so much for the wonderful comments regarding your observations of the 2012 World Choir Games. While I have not made it out of the Masonic Center for the last 5 days, it is truly magnificent to hear the excitement of Cincinnati.

I will surely hear more amazing stories at our staff meeting tomorrow (midway through the games!) and will pass along these as well.

Again, thank you.

Have you seen this article? The focus is on the events at the Masonic Center:

World Choir Games: 'Global Harmony'

Here is another great article from City Beat and how the WCG ended up in Cincinnati:

Like We Were Made for it

We ate and did some walking around on July 4 around the time a lot of the tour buses were rolling in for the opening of the games. We saw a lot of kids coming out of the hotels and hitting the streets. You could tell they just checked in and were ready to venture out. Walking down the street and hearing a variety of different languages, seeing people waiting to get their pictures taken next to the pigs and just the overall energy that was coming to life was great. It was the same vibe downtown on Friday - I went to the Freedom center and there were several groups going through the museum as well as walking around The Banks. Really neat to see the city come to life like that.

[motorman]

Just wanted everyone to know that one of the free WCG concerts last night (at Norwood's Holy Trinity Church, 5 PM) was completely full 15-minutes before the start. In fact, with big signs, the parish Boy Scout troop was directing both pedestrians and traffic away from the church sanctuary on Montgomery Rd--not even any standing room! I might add that I was also turned away and walked home disappointed, but was thrilled to see such a huge turnout (considering that the temp was 99 and a storm looked eminent).

[abr7rmj]

London, Ontario, Canada: Former Londoner leads choir to top prize | Entertainment | London Free Press

State College, Pa.: Local singers attend renowned World Choir Games | News | CentreDaily.com

Des Plaines, Ill.: Choral Society Charts Course For Cincinnati - Journal & Topics Newspapers Online: Des Plaines

And, of course, ABC's Good Morning America: Good Morning America hits Fountain Square | cincinnati.com | Cincinnati News | Cincinnati.com

[Ohiogirl81]

I didn't realize until today that a friend's grandson is a member of the Erie Young People's Chorus.

Erie's Young People's Chorus earns medals at World Choir Games | GoErie.com/Erie Times-News

[CinciFan]

So I decided to volunteer for the Choir Games downton today. Everyone that I talked to absolutely loves it here. They say the city is beautiful and the people are extremely friendly. I thought one guy from Venezuela was going to break down in tears of joy while he was describing to me how much he likes it here. Seriously. Downtown was very busy, and every restaurant that I passed downtown and at the Banks were full. I overheard several people say that it reminded them of a smaller, quieter version of New York.

The one thing that a lot of people asked for though was shopping. It's too bad Tower Place never took off.

[deg1114]

One of the local choirs has taken home a gold medal!

Winton Woods Choir Wins Gold at World Choir Games | Arts & Culture | Westside News

[abr7rmj]

Originally Posted by CinciFan

So I decided to volunteer for the Choir Games downton today. Everyone that I talked to absolutely loves it here. They say the city is beautiful and the people are extremely friendly. I thought one guy from Venezuela was going to break down in tears of joy while he was describing to me how much he likes it here. Seriously. Downtown was very busy, and every restaurant that I passed downtown and at the Banks were full. I overheard several people say that it reminded them of a smaller, quieter version of New York.

The one thing that a lot of people asked for though was shopping. It's too bad Tower Place never took off.

Shopping is definitely what's missing. We have the high-end retail such as Brooks Brothers, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany & Co., even Macy's, but those aren't places that many visitors are going to plop down their money (although I did see several Macy's bags and quite a few TJ Maxx bags on the streets on Friday when I was downtown).

When I was in Seattle last month, there were stores galore - from the national chains to quirky local shops. Unfortunately for me, there were no shortage of places screaming out for my dollars. I bought a $70 Seattle Sounders jacket because I saw it in the window and fell in love with it immediately. I didn't buy it on the spot but came back the next day and got it. Here in Cincinnati, I'm not sure where our visitors would even be able to buy a Reds jersey or jacket other than the Reds gift shop down at the ballpark.

There needs to be more options on the blocks surrounding Fountain Square to capture more out-of-town dollars. Hopefully the new development planned for Fifth and Race has more retail options. Most big cities have the small tourist trap stores selling local T-shirts, shot glasses, fridge magnets, playing cards with the city skyline on it, etc. We need something like that - preferably on or around Fountain Square. We have no shortage of restaurants in any direction you want to walk. Now we need some more retail.

[flashes1]

Originally Posted by abr7rmj

Here in Cincinnati, I'm not sure where our visitors would even be able to buy a Reds jersey or jacket other than the Reds gift shop down at the ballpark.

Just an FYI, but Koch Sporting Goods on 4th Street across from TJ Maxx is one of the best independent sporting good stores that I've seen in a long time. You can find Reds stuff in there that you can't find anywhere else (including the stadium). They also have a great selection of Bearcat and Xavier stuff.

[abr7rmj]

Originally Posted by flashes1

Just an FYI, but Koch Sporting Goods on 4th Street across from TJ Maxx is one of the best independent sporting good stores that I've seen in a long time. You can find Reds stuff in there that you can't find anywhere else (including the stadium). They also have a great selection of Bearcat and Xavier stuff.

Yea, I've been to Koch many times and people around here know where it is. Visitors, I'm not so sure they'll stumble across it. That hideous TP parking garage across the street serves to somewhat isolate that part of downtown from pedestrians.