corning s gaffer district corning, ny glassfestcorning‟s gaffer district is located in the heart...

Corning‟s Gaffer District

“Corning, NY

GlassFest” A student capstone project

Nicole Burris 11/6/2009

2 | P a g e

Table of Contents Abstract………………………………………………………………………………………………………… pg. 2

Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………………………. pg. 3-4 SWOT Analysis…………………………………………………………………………………………….. pg. 5-6

Event Press Release…………………………………………………………………………………….. pg. 7-8 Daily Events Timeline…………………………………………………………………………………….. pg. 9-10

2300° Description………………………………………………………………………………………… pg. 11

“Bonus Button” Description…………………………………………………………………………. pg. 12 Wine and Beer Tastings Description……………………………………………………………. pg. 14

“WineRun” Description…………………………………………………………………………………. pg. 14 Kid‟s Events Description………………………………………………………………………………. pg. 15 Movies Description………………………………….…………………………………………………… pg. 16

Wegmans Cooking with Glass Description……………………………………………….… pg. 17 Live Demonstrations Description………………………………………………………………… pg. 18

Appraisals Descriptions………………………………………………………………………………… pg. 19 Historic Walking Tour Explanation………………………………………………………………. pg. 20

Historic Walking Tour Destinations…………………………………………………………….. pg. 21-25

“Project Glass” Description………………………………………………………………………….. pg. 26 Neon Light Display Description……………………………………………………………………. pg. 27

Live Music Description…………………………………………………………………………………. pg. 28 Timeline……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. pg. 29-30

Check List…………………………………………………………………………………………………….. pg. 31-32 “Corning, NY GlassFest” Logo…………………………………………………………………….. pg. 33 “Corning, NY GlassFest” Print Advertisement……………………………………………. pg. 34

Website Blurb………………………………………………………………………………………………. pg. 35 Radio Advertisement………………………………………………………………………………….. pg. 36

Contingency Plan………………………………………………………………………………………… pg. 37 Contactors………………………………………………………………………………………………….. pg. 38 Porte Johns…………………………………………………………………………………………………. pg. 39

Volunteers………………………………………………………………………………………………….. pg. 40

3 | P a g e

Corning‟s Gaffer District is located in the heart of Corning, New York.

The area, deemed the „Historic District,‟ prides itself on historic preservation

that incorporates a large array of shopping opportunities and community

events.

The “Corning, NY GlassFest” is Corning‟s Gaffer District‟s newest event

being introduced in spring 2010. The event will celebrate the history of glass

making and glass blowing in the Corning area. The event will inform the

public about the gaffer‟s who made such an impact in our area as well as

innovative ways that glass is being used today.

For this event, I will be responsible for securing a location,

entertainment, demonstrators, art experts and local artists, all of which will

fall within the budget approved by the Board of Directors. Along with

planning for the event itself, I will be designing a logo to be used in all

publications and for the event in the future. I will be creating press releases

for local media outlets to use, advertisements for print, radio and also a

section to be added to Corning‟s Gaffer District website.

My capstone takes on the role of an event manager for a new event in

a small, rural area. The “Corning, NY GlassFest” is an entirely new event that

is replacing “a festival of art.” Not only does this event need to make a huge

first impression, but it needs to successfully take the place of a well-known

event.

By implementing these different aspects, I am looking to see if the

success of the event is related to the amount of advertising and planning

that I put into it.

4 | P a g e

Corning is a small, rural city in the Southern Tier of New York. It has a long history

behind it of glass blowing. In the heart of it all is Corning‟s Gaffer District, the

district is in charge of the businesses within the district as well as events and

historical preservation.

Corning‟s Gaffer District will be implementing a new event, the “Corning, NY

GlassFest.” The event will run Thursday, May 27, 2010 through Sunday, May 30,

2010 and is replacing the well-known “a festival of art.” I chose to plan this event

because for the past two years, I have either been in charge of “a festival of art” or

helped with the event. Being from the area and having worked for Corning‟s Gaffer

District, I know what the festival use to be and the downfalls it has faced in recent

years. My hope is that my hands-on experience with “a festival of art” will allow me

to make the “Corning, NY GlassFest” a success in the area.

The “Corning, NY GlassFest” is taking a new spin on art in the area, in hopes of

avoiding some of the external factors that Corning‟s Gaffer District faced with “a

festival of art.” In the past, it has been difficult to acquire artists from the

surrounding areas to participate in the exhibits. This year, we will be utilizing artists

that have businesses in Corning‟s Gaffer District and artists that have consistently

participated in art events and festivals for the district. Money and insurance were

major obstacles in past years. This year, Corning‟s Gaffer District does not have any

additional insurance to pay for, nor do the artists that have volunteered. The

elimination of food vendors eliminates the need to add insurance and is more cost

effective. We will not have to rent tents, generators or additional electricity inputs

all of which are costly and include additional insurance. In place of food vendors,

Corning‟s Gaffer District restaurants will be offering various deals on menu items

with the purchase of a “Bonus Button.” This will encourage people to dine locally

and increase revenue for local businesses.

My focus and purpose for the “Corning, NY GlassFest” is to use public relations,

advertising and promotions to increase awareness of the new event. By using these

media to increase awareness, the result should increase in foot traffic and success

for the event.

Within the plans for the event, my capstone will include the creative works, logo,

budget, a timeline, methods, conclusion and evaluation. The creative works will

include a general press release about the event, print advertisements and radio

advertisements. My timeline will include the steps from the initial planning of the

5 | P a g e

event to the conclusion of the event and the afterwards. My methods will be

inclusive of the logistics taken to ensure the event‟s success, such as the

outsourcing of certain aspects to Gaffer District businesses.

6 | P a g e

SWOT Of Event and the affects Corning’s Gaffer District will have on its success.

Internal Analysis

Strengths

Well-Established Company

o Corning‟s Gaffer District has a long-standing involvement in the local

community.

Brand Awareness

o Corning and the surrounding area‟s are aware of Corning‟s Gaffer

District.

Good Reputation

o Corning‟s Gaffer District gives back to the community and has worked

positively with sponsors in past events.

Activities for All Age Groups

o From children to parents, there are activities to entertain all, allowing

the event to be family-themed.

Weaknesses

Limited Budget

o Being a non-profit organization, this event depends greatly on the

donations from sponsors.

Replacing Past Event

o People resonate with „a festival of art‟ and might be hesitant about a

new festival, there is a large reputation to live up to despite recent

downfalls in its success.

New Event, Little Awareness

o Lacking word-of-mouth, people don‟t know what to expect from this

event nor if it is worth their time to attend.

7 | P a g e

SWOT Of Event and the affects Corning’s Gaffer District will have on its success.

External Analysis

Opportunity

No Other Events in the Area on this Weekend

o The “Corning, NY GlassFest” is the only event running locally that

weekend.

Memorial Day Weekend

o Families are looking for fun activities that include everyone‟s interest.

Big Sponsors

o Having such large names backing the event allows us to draw people

who are associated with those organizations.

Threats

Economy

o The economic recession leaves many people lacking the disposable

income that they once had.

Competition

o The Ithaca Festival is similar to this event, people may find it more

appeasing to go to Ithaca‟s because it‟s well-established.

Memorial Day Weekend

o Many people have Friday off from work and therefore make plans to

have family picnics or travel for the weekend.

Weather

o Being that most of our events are outdoors, rain will cause a major

downturn in foot traffic.

8 | P a g e

Contact: Nicole Burris FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Events and Promotions Coordinator

Corning's Gaffer District

[email protected]

Phone: (607) 937-6292 ext. 105

Fax: (607) 936-3112

Corning, NY

CORNING’S GAFFER DISTRICT INTRODUCES

“CORNING, NY GLASSFEST” AS ANNUAL EVENT

CORNING, N.Y., April 1, 2010— Before you finalize your Memorial Day weekend plans,

consider staying local. Corning’s Gaffer District will introduce their newest event that celebrates

Corning and its glass blowing history that has left its mark on the community and other areas.

Residents and visitors are invited to Corning’s Gaffer District’s first-ever, four-day festival, the

“Corning, NY GlassFest.” The festival kicks off on Thursday, May 27, 2010 at 5 p.m. and

concludes Sunday, May 30, 2010 at 5 p.m.

On Thursday, the Corning Museum of Glass will host 2300°. As in the past, this popular event

will host live entertainment, food, wine and other beverages. The event will begin at 5 p.m. and

continue until 9 p.m. The museum’s shuttle hours will be extended to midnight so that guests can

ride, at no cost, into the historic district. Thursday will also begin the “GlassFest Sale” and the

selling of “Bonus Buttons.”

Beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday, there will be wine and beer tastings in stores throughout Market

Street as well as live music in some stores. Before starting the wine tasting excursion, be sure to

stop by the I.D. station at Centerway Square to purchase your wristband and wine glass, with

proper I.D.

Saturday includes events that are family-oriented, the day begins at 10 a.m. with events related to

the history of glass blowing and the historic district. Every 45 minutes the Historic Walking Trail

will begin. During the guided walking tour of the area, you will learn of the local history about

the buildings that still stand. At 11 a.m. join us in Centennial Park to watch the Wine Glass

Marathon Runners find their way through a maze, without spilling any wine from their glasses.

9 | P a g e

Throughout the day, Wegmans will showcase ways to cook with glass, there will be glass

blowing, ceramic and jewelry demonstrations by local artists. The Palace Theatre will host

movies for every age all day long on the history of glass-making. The public will also have the

opportunity to bring in pieces of glass to be appraised by certified appraisers at Market Street

Antiques. Events tailored for kids will be going on throughout the day and hosted by the

Rockwell Museum of Western Art.

At 4:30 p.m. “Project Glass” will begin in the arch of Corning Incorporated. This will include

participants wearing outfits made entirely of glass and ceramics. A judge’s panel will choose the

winner at 5:30 p.m. To conclude the day, from 8 p.m. until 10 p.m. the walking bridge will hold

a neon light display by local and professional artists.

On Sunday at 10 a.m., the Historic Walking Trail will continue with tours, as will the movies at

the Palace Theater and the kid’s events at the Rockwell Museum of Western Art. There will be

live music in the square including Vitamin L at 10 a.m., Doc Possum at 11:30 a.m., Virgil Cain

at 1:00 p.m. and The Nines at 2:30 p.m.

Corning’s Gaffer District businesses will have extended hours for the weekend, with their special

“GlassFest Sale” going on. The sale will include specials and deals from participating stores. The

“Bonus Button” will be available for purchase and use, throughout the remainder of the festival.

The buttons can be purchased for $5.00 and used all weekend at participating restaurants for

special meal discounts.

For more information on the “Corning, NY GlassFest” and Corning's Gaffer District please visit

www.gafferdistrict.com.

-30-

10 | P a g e

“Corning, NY GlassFest”

Daily Events

Thursday -2300° at Corning Museum of Glass

-5 p.m. -9 p.m.

-Glass Themed

-Extend Shuttle Hours

-“GlassFest Sale” Begins for Corning‟s Gaffer District Businesses

-“Bonus Buttons” go on sale

Friday -Wine/Beer Tasting

-5 p.m. -9 p.m.

-Regional Wineries

-“GlassFest Sale” Continued

-“Check-in” at Centerway Square

-Handout Wine and Beer Glasses

-“Bonus Buttons” sold

Saturday -10 a.m. -10 p.m.

-“Bonus Buttons” sold

-WineRun

-10 a.m. -11 a.m.

-Wine Glass Marathon Runners

-Centennial Park

-Historic Walking Trail

-10 a.m. -5 p.m.

-Begins in Centerway Square

-Tours every 45 Minutes

-Tours will be given by Kristen Stewart, Director of Historical Preservation for


-„Cooking with Glass‟ Demonstrations

-11 a.m.- 4 p.m.

-Wegmans Demonstrates

-Centerway Square

11 | P a g e

-Demos

-11 a.m. –4 p.m.

-Ceramics, Glass and Jewelry

-Gustin‟s

-Beth Hiland

-171 Cedar

-Vitrix

-Artists recruited by CMOG and ARTS of the Southern Tier

-Centerway Square

-Appraisals

-10 a.m. -5 p.m.

-Located in Market Street Antiques

-Certified Appraisers

-Kid‟s Events

-10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

-Rockwell Museum of Western Art

-Movies

-12 p.m. - 5 p.m.

-Located in Palace Theatre

-History of Glass Making

-Glass in Corning

-Classic Kid Movies

-Glass Fashion Show “Project Glass”

-4:30 p.m. -5:30 p.m.

-Arch from Corning Incorporated

-Winner Announced at 5:45 p.m.

-Neon Light Display

-8 p.m. -10 p.m.

Sunday -10 a.m. -5 p.m.

-Movies in Palace Theatre

- 12 p.m. -5 p.m.

-Historic Walking Trail

-10 a.m. -5 p.m.

-Begins in Centerway Square

-Tours every 45 Minutes

- Tours will be given by Kristen Stewart, Director of Historical Preservation for


-Music in the Square

-Vitamin L- 10 a.m. -11:15 a.m.

-Doc Possum- 11:30a.m. -12:45 p.m.

-Virgil Cain- 1:00 p.m. -2:15 p.m.

-The Nines- 2:30 p.m. -3:45 .m.

-Pictures of Appraisals

-10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

-Info Center in Centerway Square

-highest $, oldest and most unusual

12 | P a g e

2300°

The “Corning, NY GlassFest” will begin with 2300° at the Corning Museum of Glass

on Thursday, May 27th. This event will include beverages, food and live

entertainment. The night will begin at 5 p.m. and conclude at 9 p.m. Guests will be

encouraged to enjoy the outdoor activities as well as the unique displays and art

that the museum has to offer inside. 2300° has been occurring for several years

and is one of the most loved and attended local events. These factors make this the

perfect kick-off event for the four-day festival.

This event will be outsourced to the Corning Museum of Glass, this includes the

arrangements for entertainment, food, beverages and additional parking needs. Not

only is the event being held at this location, but past 2300° have been run by the

museum. The visible success and feedback from attendees allow Corning‟s Gaffer

District to fully trust the museum with this event. During this event, there will be

flyers and other handouts that explain the activities that will be offered for the

remainder of the weekend.

13 | P a g e

“Bonus Button”

Corning‟s Gaffer District will exclusively sponsor a “Bonus Button.” This promotion

will run Thursday, May 27th through Sunday, May 30th and can be purchased for

$5.00. By purchasing the button, special offers at local restaurants will be available

to visitors. There will be a list of the various discounts available for visitors to look

at before purchasing the button. There will be booths set up at 2300° and in

Centerway Square at the wine and beer tastings on Friday and during Saturday and

Sunday‟s events.

By offering this promotion to the public, we are encouraging eating locally at

Corning‟s Gaffer District restaurants. It also works in our favor to keep foot traffic

throughout the day. People can go and have lunch or dinner and then return to

participate in the day‟s activities. The “Bonus Button” is also pertinent to this new

event to address local restaurant owner feedback. In past events, there were ample

complaints from restaurant owners about business being taken away due to

vendors. By doing away with food vendors and going the extra step of offering the

discounts, we are proactively pursuing the increase of restaurant business. Two

months before the event, all participating restaurants will need to have their “deals”

sent in to Corning‟s Gaffer District so we can make the flyers for those who

purchase the button.

14 | P a g e

Wine and Beer Tastings

On Friday, May 28th Corning‟s Gaffer District will host an assortment of regional

wine and beer tastings throughout Market Street. In the past, this activity has been

its own event and received great feedback. By implementing it with this new event

we will hopefully inform and bring in the loyal followers to the following day‟s

events.

Stores will be given the option of hosting a winery. A completed list of winery and

store pairings will be available for visitors to pick up at Centerway Square. Three

months before the event, we need to send out the information to the businesses for

hosting a winery. The applications will be due two months before the actual event.

A month before the event, the businesses must contact Corning‟s Gaffer District

about any additional plans they have made for the event, such as live

entertainment or specialty crafts. This will enable us to inform the visitors and

make the appropriate signage.

Before beginning the wine tasting, visitors must come to Centerway Square to show

proof of age at the ID station. Here is where they will pay the $10.00 fee and

receive their wine and beer glasses. Employees from Corning‟s Gaffer District will

be at the ID station working and answering any questions that visitors may have.

This will also be an important time and place for our employees to encourage the

visitors to come back for Saturday and Sunday‟s events.

15 | P a g e

“WineRun”

At 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 29th the Wine Glass Marathon Runners will kick off the

day‟s events with a WineRun. The event will take place in Centennial Park and the

runners will race through an obstacle course, while trying not to spill their glass of

wine.

The event is being outsourced to the Corning YMCA. The YMCA is part of Corning‟s

Gaffer District and has been an active participant in past events. The runners

annual Wine Glass Marathon is always implemented with the help of the YMCA.

Since there is already a well-established relationship between Corning‟s Gaffer

District and the YMCA, as well as the YMCA and the Wine Glass Runners, the

outsourcing of this particular event works well. It will be the YMCA‟s responsibility

to set up the obstacle course on the morning of the event.

This is a fun event that will really set a positive tone for the “Corning, NY

GlassFest.” There is a positive association between the runners and their annual

event, this will hopefully work to our advantage and bring in the passionate

followers to attend our new event.

16 | P a g e

Kid’s Events

All of the kid‟s events for Saturday, May 29th and Sunday, May 30th will be

outsourced to the Rockwell Museum of Western Art. The museum offers an ideal

location within the museum and outside in the parking lot for a variety of events to

keep the kids entertained. The alley way that the parking lot is located within can

easily be blocked off from traffic, for the safety of the children.

Corning‟s Gaffer District has worked with the Rockwell Museum of Western Art for

outsourcing of kid activities in past events. The feedback from both the children and

parents has been overwhelmingly positive. These facts make me comfortable in

continuing the relationship with the museum for kid‟s activities. A month before the

event the museum will need to tell Corning‟s Gaffer District about any volunteers

they have recruited for the kid‟s events. This will allow us to assess if and when

additional volunteers are needed.

17 | P a g e

Movies

Movies will be available for viewing in the Palace Theatre on both Saturday and

Sunday from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. All movies will be free to view. For adults, there will be short movies on the history of Corning, glass making and glass-blowing as

well as today‟s techniques, like those used at the Corning Museum of Glass. There will also be a movie about the future of glass. In addition, there will be general kid‟s movies that the Rockwell Museum of Western Art will have access to for their kid‟s

events.

The movies will be borrowed from the Corning Museum of Glass and the Corning Public Library.

18 | P a g e

Wegmans Cooking with Glass

On Saturday, May 29th from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Wegmans will be hosting live

demonstrations in Centerway Square. The demonstrations will involve cooking with

glass and innovative techniques for doing so. Wegmans will provide chefs from

different departments, such as seafood and Asian cuisine, which will provide visitors

with a professional spin on cooking.

Erica Hepworth, Human Resources manager, is our contact for this relationship. We

will be working with her to solidify the chefs attending as well as getting the logo

from her for the publications. She will also be our contact for distribution of flyers

and other handouts at Wegmans. Four months before the event, the details for

Wegmans participation should be finalized. A month before the event, we will have

a meeting with Erica to go over all of the logistics.

19 | P a g e

Live Demonstrations

From 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 29th there will be live glass, ceramic

and jewelry demonstrations. The artists will include Gustin‟s, Beth Hiland, 171

Cedar Arts Center and Vitrix. The artists recruited either have a business in the

Gaffer District, or have work displayed at a Gaffer District business. All of these

people are experts in their media and offer an exciting experience for visitors.

Live displays will enable visitors to see how minimal pieces can become a beautiful

and unique piece of art, as well as the techniques that go into these creative media.

This live viewing will also generate more excitement than a movie or explanation

ever could. This will also inform the visitors of the type of businesses that are

located in Corning‟s Gaffer District. Four months before the event, we will begin the

initial recruitment of these artists and two months before the event the artists

should be finalized. Within the month of the event, we will hold a meeting with all

of the participating artists to discuss the details of each demonstration and the

needs any of them may have. The week of the event, we will personally call each

artist to give a friendly reminder of the date, time and location of their obligations.

20 | P a g e

Appraisals

Saturday, May 29th will host the opportunity for visitors to bring their antique glass

pieces down for an appraisal. This will run from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and will be

located at Market Street Antiques. Corning‟s Gaffer District will provide certified

appraisers for this event, who will assess the quality, age and monetary value of

their antiques. This gives visitors the opportunity to benefit themselves, for free,

but most importantly it brings more foot traffic to the Gaffer District. Four months

before the event, we will finalize using Market Street Antiques as our location and

we will begin our search for appraisers. Two months prior we will have our

definitive appraisers and will hold a meeting with them a month before to discuss

their exact roles within the event. The week of the event we will personally call

each person to give a friendly reminder.

On Sunday, we will have blown up pictures displayed in the Information Center of

the oldest, most unique and most expensive pieces that have been brought down.

By doing this, the owners of the pieces chosen will feel a sense of pride for their

treasures and honored.

21 | P a g e

Historic Walking Tour Explanation

On Saturday, May 29th and Sunday, May 30th Corning‟s Gaffer District will host the Historic

Walking Trail. The Trail begins at 10 a.m. and will leave from Centerway Square every 45

minutes. It will begin at the east end of Market Street and conclude on the west end.

Kristen Stewart, the Director of Preservation and Design for Corning‟s Gaffer District, will

conduct the tours. Kristen has worked for the District for 5 years, so she has a well-versed

knowledge of the area. Her position in restoration and design has established her as the

most knowledgeable about the buildings and the history behind each.

This experience will allow visitors to take a glimpse into the past. All of the buildings have

been restored, but still offer the authenticity of their original purpose. Pictures will be shown

of many of the buildings when each was first built, and Kristen will be able to offer unique

stories and facts that visitors may not know. The combination of “then and now” will

hopefully resonate with the visitors and give them a better understanding of some of the

task‟s Corning‟s Gaffer District is involved in. This event will also be available on Sunday

from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

22 | P a g e

Corning’s Gaffer District’s

Historic Walking Tour

Although Corning is best known today for its glass industry, the city originally developed

because it was a huge lumbering region. The Chemung River provided the necessary

transportation, and in 1851 the rapidly growing community was incorporated as the City of

Corning.

The central business thoroughfare was given the name of Market Street. The growth of the

railroad and the city‟s connection with the Erie Canal attracted the Brooklyn Flint Glass

Company from New York City in 1868. The company took the name of the town and became

Corning Glass Works.

Before 1855, most of the buildings on Market Street were wood. However, frequent fires

resulted in the rebuilding of the street using predominately brick and stone. To meet the

demand for a fire-proof material, the Corning Brick Works was established in 1878. The

Victorian love of ornamentation prompted the addition of terra cotta to the product line.

This natural bricklike material could be easily molded into any decorative pattern or shape.

Many unique examples exist today on Market Street.

START YOUR TOUR

The walking tour begins at the west entrance of Market Street. As you start the tour, keep

in mind that this brochure is organized to provide descriptions of historic structures as you

pass directly in front of them. In some instances, a later leg of the tour will take you by the

same structures but across the street, giving you a more panoramic view of the buildings.

1. THE HAWKES BUILDING

(1882), 73-79 W. MARKET STREET

The Hawkes building was built for the T.G. Hawkes Company, makers of some of the world‟s

finest cut crystal. Although the company went out of business in 1976, the original sign

painted on the building has been preserved as a lasting tribute to the company and to this

important era in Corning‟s history. Originally this building was built as a utilitarian factory;

as T.G. Hawkes became more successful the building was updated to include glazed terra

cotta adornments. Currently this building is the home to Vitrix Hot Glass Studio. The public

is invited to step inside and watch the actual glass blowing process.

23 | P a g e

2. THE LITTLE JOE TOWER

(1912), CORNING INCORPORATED CAMPUS

This 200-ft. tower, centerpiece of historic Corning, is more than just a striking landmark

against the blue skies of this Finger Lakes tourist destination; it once served a very practical

manufacturing purpose. Corning is the headquarters of Corning Incorporated, a world leader

in the manufacture of communications and ceramics technologies. The company, once

known as Corning Glass Works, manufactured various household and scientific products,

including thermometer tubing. The tubes were produced by using the "vertical draw"

process. Skilled technicians and glassworkers formed molten glass batches, and then

stretched them to the top of the Little Joe Tower using a cable system. This formed a long,

continuous tube of hot glass. After cooling, the tubes were cut to desired lengths for

thermometers.

Little Joe is by no means little: Local legend traces the name of the tower back to one of the

more prominent local glassworkers who spent his days devoted to making glass

thermometer tubing in the tower.

3. THE CLUB HOUSE


This three-story peak roof structure was built as a flour mill. In 1926 Corning Glass Works

purchased the building and renovated it as an employee recreation facility, hence the

moniker Club House. The renovation included an addition on the west end to accommodate

a bowling alley, excavation of the basement for a swimming pool, and the raising of the roof

fifteen feet to allow for a basketball court! In time the building was again renovated for

office space and currently remains vacant.

4. THE ROCKWELL CENTER


These two buildings, joined together within, served the downtown as a major department

store until 1991. Rockwell‟s Department Store, owned by Robert Rockwell, was also home

to a collection of art that is now housed in the Rockwell Museum of Western Art, located at

111 Cedar Street (one half-block east). The Rockwell‟s collection is said to be the largest

collection of western art east of the Mississippi. Take a moment following the tour to enjoy

this spectacular collection of Western and Native American art.

5. THE BARON STEUBEN PLACE

(1929), 1 W. MARKET STREET

The Baron Steuben Hotel was built on the site of the old Dickinson Hotel which had been in

place since 1851. The hotel enjoyed a location that was in the midst of both the Erie

Railroad (Denison Parkway) and the Tioga Railroad (Tioga Avenue). When it was built the

Hotel was said to have the “latest and greatest” amenities as well as serving as the center

of all cultural and social events for the City of Corning. Currently the Hotel, renamed the

Baron Steuben Place, is home to many businesses including the restaurant Old World Café

and the Information Center of Corning.

24 | P a g e

6. THE CLOCK TOWER

(1883), CENTERWAY SQUARE

The clock tower in Centerway Square was built as a memorial to Erastus Corning, for whom

the City of Corning is named. The tower is built of Antrim stone which is found locally. The

tower is 50 feet high and has a bell that weighs 1400 pounds. It has become one of

Corning‟s most famous landmarks. You will notice that there is a water spout at the base of

the tower.

7. ROUTE 81 RADIO - H.G. WILLIAMS BLOCK

(1887), 25 E. MARKET STREET

Perched proudly atop the cornice of this building is Market Street‟s famous owl. It is made

of terra cotta, as are all the decorative elements on the building. Can you locate the lion‟s

heads? In the early part of the last century it was common practice for a building to proudly

display its name, the year it was built, and the name of the architect.

8. BONG’S JEWELERS


You‟ll notice that there is a terra cotta griffin‟s head sculpture on this building façade. The

griffin is a symbol of good luck for merchants. Bong‟s is the only fourth-generation store on

the street. Established in 1892, it has always sold the same type of merchandise at the

same location. The storefront is made of Carrara Glass, a glass material that was commonly

used in Art Deco styles in the 1930‟s.

9. THE GLASS MENAGERIE


As you look toward the unique roof line of this building you will see green tiles that were a

product of a local brick works. The façade of the building is created using a glazed terra

cotta which was added when the building was renovated in the 1920‟s. The egg and dart

molding near the top of the building represents birth and death. The unique leaded glass

transom was designed to be seen both from the inside and out. The southern exposure of

the storefront lets the sunlight shine through the prism glass in the transom which created a

beautiful rainbow effect on the stores inner walls. The sign is comprised of 560 pieces of

glass and took seven weeks to complete.

10. TREU OFFICE SUPPLY


This building was designed by and originally housed the offices of H.C. Tuthill, Architect and

Master Builder. You will notice Mr. Tuthill‟s name on many building cornerstones throughout

Corning‟s Gaffer District. Tuthill was born in East Otto, NY and moved to Corning in the

1850‟s when he began work for the Drake and Townley Sash and Blind Company. Tuthill

soon left Corning to fight in the Civil War, participating in seven battles, including those at

historic Bull Run, Gettysburg, and Antietam. He attained the rank of Colonel and was

honorably discharged in 1863 due to bullet wounds in his left hand and both legs.

25 | P a g e

In 1965 the building was covered with glass ceramic panels produced by Corning Glass

Works. When the building was renovated in 1978 the panels were removed to reveal a

beautiful Victorian façade.

11. MARKET STREET COFFEE & TEA – THE BOSTON STORE


The Boston Store is the only second-story bay windows still in existence in a historic district

for over a hundred mile radius. The basket weave design on the building is made of terra

cotta which is an Italian term that means cooked earth. Produced here in Corning after 1889

when the Corning Brick Works opened shop.

12. THREE BIRDS RESTAURANT – BECRAFT GARAGE

(1929), 73-75 E. MARKET STREET

At first glance you might think this is a modern building but it was actually built in 1929 for

the Becraft Garage. The windows were used to display the new automobiles that were

available for sale at the dealership. A ramp was available to take cars to the second floor

and a large elevator to take cars to the third floor.

13. GLASWERK OPTICAL- THE HENKEL BLOCK


This building was the only five-story building in the western Southern Tier at the time.

Inside it featured a hydraulic elevator that was hooked to the City of Corning‟s water main.

The lettering on the building façade is made from terra cotta. The second through fifth floors

are now upper-story living spaces.

14. THE ROCKWELL MUSEUM OF WESTERN ART – OLD CITY HALL

(1893), 111 CEDAR STREET

Built for $29,000 this building served as the city hall, fire station and prison for the City of

Corning. Horses were kept in the back of the building to be brought inside and harnessed to

fire wagons. Corning Glass Works purchased the building for $1 in 1980 to save it from

demolition. Currently the property is home to the world famous Rockwell Museum of

Western Art. The buffalo that is crashing out of the top story façade is the museum‟s

mascot and his name is Artemus.

15. SIMPLE STYLE, EAGLE STEWARD, LTD., BROWN’S CIGAR STORE

(LATE 1870’s), 2 – 6 W. MARKET STREET

This corner building is an extremely fine example of late 19th century Victorian commercial

structure in the Gothic style. The storefront of Brown‟s Cigar Store is original. The

decorative cornice is pressed metal and the columns are cast iron. The name of the foundry,

Turner and Pond from Elmira, NY, can be seen on the base of the lower right column. The

Brown‟s Cigar Store façade, tiled entryway, and the interior floor are one of a very few

originals storefronts remaining on Market Street.

26 | P a g e

16. JIM’S TEXAS HOTS, BACALLES GLASS, MENDING YOUR WAYS

(1893), 8 – 10 ½ W. MARKET STREET

An interesting story encompasses these three buildings. In the late 1800‟s a popular swindle

was sweeping the nation. Someone would rent a building next to a bank, establish a

credible business and during the evening hours they would tunnel into the bank‟s vault.

Eventually they would empty the vault and the new business would be gone before dawn.

During this time, two gentlemen in Corning wanted to establish a bank but they bought two

building lots to leave space between neighboring businesses and the bank vault with this

scam in mind. After the construction was completed the gentlemen didn‟t have enough

money to start the bank! So, they sold the buildings and the lots; storefronts were created

by adding facade, roof, and back walls. As you see it today Jim‟s Texas Hots and Mending

Your Ways are hooked directly to Bacalles Glass shop without any exterior walls.

17. SPRAGUE INSURANCE


The Sprague Insurance Building is a handsome renovated three-story structure built in

1895. The building was originally divided into two sections. Previously known as the May-

Callahan Block, it replaced the two wood frame structures which burnt on the site in that

year. The Romanesque design has a terra cotta and sandstone trim and a pressed metal

cornice with leaf brackets.

The first tenants on the east side were a confectioner on the first floor and a cigar jobber on

the second floor. An elevator in the rear of the building made the third floor accessible for a

number of uses. The west side housed a boot and shoe store on the first floor and a large

hall used for dancing parties on the second floor.

The above account was taken from a handwritten history of the Sprague Insurance Building

written by our Historic Walking Trail honoree, Mary Ann Sprague.

18. ROTSELL’S DELI & HOLMES PLATE

(1875), 52 – 56 W. MARKET STREET

This three-story building is one of the earliest built on Market Street. The ornate window

lintels are made of cast iron, a popular building material at the time which could be cast into

any design or shape. The gray stone columns at Holmes Plate contain interesting examples

of carvings of symbols that were very common in the Victorian era. Often referred to as the

“flower language,” they include an anchor symbolizing hope, a shield for government, a flag

for patriotism, a sheaf of wheat for fertility, a beehive for industry, arm and hammer for

labor, a bowl of fruit for hospitality and grapes for plenty. These carvings were not

discovered until the building was sandblasted in 1974.

19. BERGER’S SKI AND SNOWBOARDS SHOP


Originally this building housed a livery stable for owners to store their horses during

overnight stays in Corning, NY. Normally livery stables included a loose box or stable for the

horses and an area for grazing. You could consider this Corning‟s first parking garage if you

wish!

27 | P a g e

“Project Glass”

At 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 29th “Project Glass” will begin at the arch of Corning

Incorporated. This is a glass-themed fashion show that the public is encouraged to

participate in. Outfits must be made, mostly, out of glass and shown on the

runway. At 5:30 p.m. the judges will announce the winner of the fashion show.

Judging will be based on creativity, material used and overall appearance.

A prize basket will be given to the overall winner, which will include different gifts

and gift certificates that have been donated by Gaffer District businesses. There will

also be smaller prizes for the second the third place winners. The idea behind the

gifts is that it will encourage a return rate to the businesses. Potential participants

will need to have their applications in a month before the event, towards the end of

that same month they will be alerted of their acceptance or decline in the show.

The week of the event, we will call to remind them of their engagement.

28 | P a g e

Neon Light Display

Saturday night, from 8 p.m. until 10 p.m. Corning‟s Gaffer District will host a neon

light display. Local artists and displays from the Corning Museum of Glass will be on

display over the walking bridge. The designs and technology are innovative and

attention grabbing for the public. The displays will also be visible to those traveling

via car or foot over both the parallel traffic bridges and hopefully pull in additional

visitors.

The timing of this light display and the “Project Glass” fashion show are ideal. The

fashion show ends at 5:45 p.m., which leaves ample time for visitors to take

advantage of the “Bonus Button” deal and eat at local restaurants before returning

to attend the light display.

It will be highly necessary for several of Corning‟s Gaffer District employees to

remain at the bridge, along with the Corning Police Department, to serve as

security. It is detrimental to our reputation and the success of future events that

we protect the artist‟s works from any potential damage. Five months before the

event we will begin recruiting artists. The number of participants must be finalized

and alerted two months before the event. The week of the event we will call and

remind the artists of their commitment to the event.

29 | P a g e

Live Music

Sunday, May 30th will host an array of live music in Centerway Square from 10 a.m.

until 3:45 p.m. The first two performances will be Vitamin L and Doc Possum. These

both are popular with children and play upbeat music that will start the day off on a

fun note. The last two artists, Virgil Cain and The Nines, are local and regional

favorites. Both have played at Corning‟s Gaffer District businesses in the past and

are especially popular with the community‟s night life. By having these two in the

later time slots, it targets the large demographic of followers and brings them to

the Gaffer District during lunch and dinner.

One of the most loved aspects of “a festival of art” was the live entertainment. We

want to be certain to incorporate this positive aspect into the “Corning, NY

GlassFest.” By integrating the positive points from past events, within this new

event, it makes the transition easier and has the new event feel less foreign. The

live music is on Sunday because of laid back feeling and simple enjoyment it gives

to the visitors. It is a great “take it easy” tone to end the four-day event.

We will begin our contact with the artists six months before the event and finalize

each performance four months prior. At the four month countdown, each artist

should be aware of their engagement to the event, its time, location and date. A

reminder call will be made the month before and the week of the event.

30 | P a g e

Timeline

9 Months Prior

Discuss Budget

Explore Sponsorship

Make Timeline Detail Oriented

Research Merchant Participation

Assess needs of Location

Contact Rockwell Museum of Western Art, YMCA, SnapFitness and CMOG for possible

Outsourcing of kids events and WineRun

Set ideal date

6-3 Months Prior

Create Press Release, Logo and Creative Works

Distribute Information to Media Sponsors and Arrange Coverage

Send out Participation Forms to Merchants

Begin Monthly Meetings of Event Steering Committee

Finalize Locations

Send out Information on “Project Glass” to Potential Participants

Contact Gustin‟s, Beth Hiland, 171 Cedar, Vitrix, and CMOG

Finalize Date

Finalize Entertainment

Contact Artists for Neon Light Displays

Begin Contact with Wegmans

2 Months Prior

Finalize 2300° Details

Finalize Business and Winery Paired Up

Finalize Artists

Distribute Rack Cards

Order Wine and Beer Glasses

Order Wrist Bands

Post Event to Website

Finalize Number of Neon Light Displays

Distribute Posters to Area Businesses

Recruit Volunteers

Finalize Details with Wegmans

Finalize Appraisers

31 | P a g e

1 Month Prior

Order and Print Posters, Rack Cards, etc.

Order “Bonus Buttons”

Purchase Gifts for Volunteer Appraisers

Finalize Sound System from Marich Music

“Project Glass” Applications Due

Inform Accepted “Project Glass” Participants

Distribute Posters to Schools, Care Centers, Restaurants etc. Outside of Gaffer

District

Implement Radio and Newspaper Advertising

Contact Jeff‟s Septic

Businesses Must Finalize any Additional Events they are Hosting for the Wine and

Beer Tasting

Alert Volunteers of Schedule

Deadline for restaurant “Bonus Button” deals

Week Of

Remind Volunteers of Schedule

Alert Employees of Stations and Work Times

Distribute Signage to Gaffer District Businesses (who will host which winery)

Contact Jeff Septic, to Ensure Delivery Date, Time and Location

Hang Signage

Extend Shuttle Hours

Call Artists, “Project Glass” Participants and Wegmans to Remind Each of Obligations.

1 Week After

Post-Event Review Sent to Businesses

Meeting with Businesses

32 | P a g e

Check List

Budget

Prepare Event Budget

Receive Approval from Board of Directors

Monitor Spending

Location

Select Locations for Each Day

Extend Shuttle Hours

Event Agenda

Goal of Event, According to Corning‟s Gaffer District and Board of Directors

Develop Timeline

Book Entertainment

Outsource Kids Activities to Rockwell Museum of Western Art

Outsource marathon to YMCA and SnapFitness

Collect Forms from Businesses

-Sales Offered

-Participation in Wine Hosting

Sponsorship

Identify Potential Sponsors

Proposals to Sponsors

Receive Sponsor‟s Logos

33 | P a g e

Marketing and Promotion

Develop Plan

Design Materials

-Radio

-Logo

-Print

-Press Release

-Website Blurb

Distribute Flyers/Rack Cards/Posters

Submit Information to Local Media

Contractors

Order Equipment

Noise Permit

Parking

Increase Parking

Parking Garage becomes Free

Contingency Plan

Bad Weather

Low Foot traffic

34 | P a g e

35 | P a g e

36 | P a g e

Corning, NY Glass Festival Thursday, May 27- Sunday, May 30 2010

Corning’s Gaffer District

Discover the magic of glass at the 2010 Corning, NY GlassFestl presented by Corning's

Gaffer District. In partnership with the world-class Corning Museum of Glass, the “Corning,

NY GlassFest” is a unique celebration that honors the tradition and rich history of glass

making in Corning, NY. Come enjoy the pairing of the finest glass and fired-art artists and

craftspeople with continuous entertainment, including hands-on art activities, musical

performances and food from the area's finest restaurants.

The festival will begin on Thursday at the Corning Museum of Glass. Join us for a special

glass themed 2300°, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. There will be live entertainment, food and

beverages. On Friday, the fun continues with regional wine and beer tastings on Market

Street from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m.

Saturday will begin at 10 a.m. and the fun doesn‟t stop until 10 p.m. Throughout the day

families will be able to watch demonstrations on cooking with glass and local artists making

ceramics, glass and jewelry live! People are invited to bring their glass antiques to get

appraised and watch the Wine Glass Marathon Runners race through a maze without spilling

any wine! There will be a live “Project Glass” fashion show where competitors are dressed

entirely in glass-made outfits, and the night commences with a neon light display on the

walking bridge.

Sunday will include live entertainment from guests such as Vitamin L, Doc Possum, Virgil

Cain and The Nines. The day begins at 10 a.m. and will continue until 5 p.m.

On both Saturday and Sunday, guests are invited to watch movies on Corning‟s history and

glass blowing at the Palace Theatre. Both days will also include kid‟s events at the Rockwell

Museum of Western Art and a Historic Walking Trail that takes guests to historic buildings

on Market Street.

Throughout the four days, businesses will participate in the “GlassFest Sale” where each

business offers their own sales. Also available is the purchase of a “Bonus Button.” Each

button costs $5.00 and will allow guests to receive discounts at Corning‟s Gaffer District

restaurants.

37 | P a g e

Client: Corning’s Gaffer District

Project: Corning, NY Glass Festival

Air Date: April 1, 2010

Instrumental music played in background

Time: 45 seconds

ALLY PAYNE’S VOICE: Discover the magic of glass at the 2010 “Corning, New York

GlassFest,” presented by Corning's Gaffer District. In partnership with the world-class

Corning Museum of Glass, the “Corning, New York GlassFest” is a unique celebration that

brings together tradition and innovation of Corning, New York.

The four-day festival starts Thursday, May 27th and commences on Sunday, May 30th. The

festival will include live glass demonstrations, tours, glass-inspired fashion shows, sales and

much more. Sunday will include live entertainment in Centerway Square, including the

area‟s own Virgil Cain.

Come enjoy the pairing of the finest glass and fired-art artists and craftspeople with

continuous entertainment, including hands-on art activities, musical performances and food

from the area's finest restaurants.

For more information, visit www.gafferdistrict.com

38 | P a g e

Contingency Plan

In the unpredictable situation that rain occurs on any of the event days, there are

steps to be taken. If there is rain on Thursday, 2300° will be moved completely

indoors. The Corning Museum of Glass has more than enough room to hold the

attendees, comfortably. There is also a stage where the entertainment can be

moved to and a café where food and beverage stations can be set up. If rain occurs

on Friday, there is little we can do. All of the wine and beer tastings will be held

inside, so visitors will be able to avoid rain.

For Saturday and Sunday, we will have pop-up tents already covering any electrical

outputs, such as the sound system. The live entertainment is already planned for

the Centerway Stage, but if the rain is heavy we will need to postpone

performances. We will have other tents available for the demonstrators to continue

under as well as the Wegmans demonstrations. The Rockwell Museum of Western

Art will be able to entertain the children indoors, and the appraisals and movies are

already planned for indoors.

“Project Glass” will be postponed for later in the day or for Sunday if there is

excessive rain. It is entirely outdoors and needs the proper space for a runway,

lights and judges table. The WineRun will also be postponed for later in the day or

for Sunday if the rain continues. There is not sufficient room to move the event

elsewhere and the parking garage will be used for event parking.

In the case that there is low foot traffic, all events will continue. It would not be

wise to end events prematurely because people may show up later in the day after

work and other plans were finished. Sunday especially, must continue until all of

the musical performances have concluded. If after this, there is low foot traffic this

will be the only time it is acceptable to end early. Any other days will result in a

budget loss and possible loss of business for Corning‟s Gaffer District.

Parking will be increased during the four-day event. The Corning Museum of Glass‟s

parking lots will be used for visitors, and the shuttle conveniently has a stop there

to bring visitors to and from their vehicles. The shuttle will have extended hours for

the event. The parking to the north and south of Market Street will all be open for

parking, and business employees will be asked to park elsewhere so to maximize

the space for visitors. This includes all lots along Denison Parkway and all lots

39 | P a g e

perpendicular to the Walking Bridge. The parking garage located in Centerway

Square will be open and free to the public on all four days.

Contractors

Marich Music has already agreed to donate their sound system to Corning‟s Gaffer

District for our use on Saturday and Sunday. This will help us with announcing the

winner of “Project Glass” and with the live music. We will provide our pop-up tent

to go over all of the equipment and it will be our responsibility to house all of the

equipment overnight. Corning Incorporated has offered to lend us the runway that

is needed for our “Project Glass” runway show. Their security will drop the tables

off at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday and pick the tables up at 6:30 p.m. We must be

certain to call and reconfirm this obligation a week before the event and on the day

prior to the event. We will be renting the various colored spotlights from Party

Time. We will need to pick the lights up before 5 p.m. on Friday and have them

returned by 5 p.m. on Monday. Again, we will need to call and verify the rental.

One month before the event and the week of the event. Our security deposit will be

due a month prior; payment on Friday and the deposit returned on Monday.

40 | P a g e

Portable Toilets

We will be renting portable toilets from Jeff‟s Septic Serivce. We have used this

company for past events and have not had any problems. Despite that fact, we will

need to call a month in advance to order the units. The week of the event we will

need to call again to verify the time, date and location for the units. We will need

four units delivered Friday afternoon at 3 p.m. Two will be placed at the west end of

Market Street at the cross section of Market Street and Chestnut Street. The other

two will be placed behind Centerway Square, towards Centennial Park. Centerway

Square will be the busiest location for the event, so this is where the most

bathrooms are needed. The two portable toilets in combination with the restrooms

in the Centerway Square Welcome Center should be sufficient. There won‟t be a

need for additional restrooms at the east end of Market Street because the

Radisson Hotel is located at this end and is hosting a winery.

41 | P a g e

Volunteers

Corning‟s Gaffer District employees and members of the Board of Directors will be

helping for a majority of activities. We will have people at 2300° at a table with

flyers and other information about the upcoming day‟s and the activities on each.

The employees will also be working the ID table in Centerway Square on Friday.

They will be checking id‟s, collecting money, giving wristbands and handing out

wine and beer glasses. We will also be giving friendly hints and reminders to come

back for Saturday and Sunday‟s events.

In addition to Corning‟s Gaffer District employees, volunteers will be needed for

Saturday and Sunday‟s events. These volunteers will assist in helping the festival to

run smoothly, wherever they are needed. The “WineRun” will need assistance, as

well as “ProjectGlass,” and both of the live demos. In the past Ginny Coon, owner

of Imagine That! on Market Street, has organized the volunteers and made sure

there was ample coverage where needed. We will use her services again and be

sure to give her the names and contact information of any volunteers we recruit.

One month before the event, we will call all of the volunteers to let them know

when they work and will do the same the week of the event.

corning s gaffer district corning, ny glassfestcorning‟s gaffer district is located in the heart...

Documents