To Mosey or Not To Mosey...?

Webster's Dictionary defines the word "Mosey" as "moving in a leisurely and aimless manner." Sound familiar? I hope not too much. Practicing "aimlessness" should only be done on a beach somewhere or on vacation where our schedule is open and we have left our responsibilities behind. Unfortunately, "Mosey" seems to be common practice and possibly a trend in smaller communities and rural areas.

My question is: Does "aimlessness" get you what you want for yourself, for your organization, or even for your community? My guess is "no," but I guess it could if you were lucky. Fortunately not all people in Greene County have adopted the "Mosey" attitude. As a case in point, while some have expressed that they are not fans of the endeavors of wetland and wildlife restoration at the Goose Pond FWA, it does have "Friends." Small but mighty, the Friends of the Goose Pond, a non-profit organization made up of people from all parts of Greene County, have chosen the "non-Mosey" route.

The recent event, "Marsh Madness," was organized by the Friends of the Goose Pond and for those of you who did not attend; I believe that you missed out. Their charge was to create an event that was interactive and educational serving both the "average" Greene Countian, the bird watcher (birders), the naturalist, and that inquisitive child that we all have inside full of wonder.

At the event, there was really something for everyone and after 500 plus attendees, I can say that there was never a time that the registration area was not busy with people streaming in to take part. For a first-time event, I have to say that it was a success. It drew visitors from Bloomington, Vincennes, Bedford, Monroe County, Noblesville, Indianapolis, Terre Haute, and southern Illinois. I spoke with so many who said that they were impressed by the event and what Greene County had to offer. Of course, while sitting at the Greene County Tourism booth, I gave them additional options for their stay. One lady was so excited about our community that she wanted to stay in town an extra day and do some shopping downtown, but was very disappointed that none of the stores were open on Sunday.

Hats off to the Friends of the Goose Pond and the festival committee! Their efforts were definitely not "Aimless," nor do I believe that they even had a chance to "Mosey" while making the event a reality. It is true that with any endeavor, everything cannot be perfect. But, there are lessons to be learned here. Not only for the organizers of the event, but for those who say that the Goose Pond can't, won't, and isn't ... this might be a "little bitty" jab to prove them just a little bit wrong.

As we continue to build our name as a tourist destination, I continue to believe that we must build on our strengths and what makes our county unique. We must try to place ourselves in the shoes of others, as our perceptions are not always the perceptions of others. What we think is boring may be something interesting and new to someone else. The Marsh Madness Festival is definitely a step in the right direction. If we have this many people attending this year, what will next year hold?