Two years ago Dan Dalpra asked me to create this online blog for the Pops. It is where I have written 462 stories. Each of these stories have captured what I consider .. the "essence of the Pops" and, most recently, what it meant to Bemus for 20 years. Since the blog's inception it has received numerous views or hits.
Heaven knows, the communities around this lake and in this county could use a good healthy shot in the arm. Mayville, the county seat was given that shot in the arm yet many feel that Mayville wasted away an opportunity to put our county seat on the map and make it a summer destination for not only locals, but for the many lake tourists who visit each summer.
Bill and I try to support many events in the county during all 12 months of the year which most recently included the fun ice castle weekend. As did others .. I acknowledged online, the dedicated workers who built the castle this year and in subsequent years. One year I took a photo of the hardworking crew and submitted it to the Jamestown Post Journal which the newspaper printed.
The late Jim Webb, Ben's father would not be pleased to know his hometown of Mayville, where he raised his family and built a successful business has treated the Pops, with its long-standing track record of success, in an unwelcoming and unsupportive way since bringing the floating stage to its shoreline.
Since the Pops began in 1998 I have always been .. Passionate for the Pops.
Now, after all these years I still remain .. Passionate for the Pops. I have no doubt the Pops will eventually find a new location and they will call it, "home" .. whether it be in this county, out of this county or even out of State. No matter where the beloved Pops goes .. one thing is certain .. it will be at a location where like-minded fun-loving folks who see what the Pops can bring to their community will gather to enjoy music because Music Matters.
In closing, for those who have never heard the old familiar phrase or may have forgotten it .. "kicking a gifthorse in the mouth" .. the message is simply this ..
..don't find fault with something good that is being offered..
Pat Locke
Maestro Muse
