MADONNA BONANZA? Not Just a Pretty Face, Tourism Drawing Card, Say Backers
March 10, 2014
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Not just a rock star, Madonna may bring new tourism life to her birthplace of Bay City.
Think big!
City Commissioner Chris Girard and an enthusiastic committee of community supporters think the rock star Madonna Ciccone born here in 1957 can make the city a bigger drawing card for tourists.
Using Tupelo, Mississippi, which reportedly brings in $50 million a year from tourism related to visitors to the home of Elvis Presley, as a model the committee is getting the ball rolling with a "Material World Fundraiser" on May 31.
A sign noting Bay City as the birthplace of the rock star may be just the start, the group mused at a recent meeting.
More than $600 has been raised for the sign and committee members are seeking more, plus suggestions on a location.
A statue, a small museum, a tour of Madonna-related sites -- all could bring in fans of the singer.
The fundraiser will probably feature a scavenger hunt, Madonna Look-A-Like Contest at a luncheon, tour, Madonna movie at the State Theatre, dinner and tribute artist performance at the Friendship Shell.
Other ideas include a collage of music videos playing continuously, a commemorative t-shirt for participants in the scavenger hunt and other creative ideas are under consideration.
Girard hopes to raise $5,000 to $10,000 with the initial event for "material" to help needy families through his Do-All, Inc.
Gary Johnson, former Cramer Junior High teacher whose "History of Rock and Roll" music classes were popular with the youngsters, has compiled much of the history of Madonna.
The overwhelming response to Johnson's recent First Saturday presentation at the Bay County Historical Museum has energized the effort to build Madonna attractions on the Elvis/Tupelo model.
The group, that meets at the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission, thinks big and wants to make things happen. Mainly, that involves building a structure of interest around the rock star that leads to tourism economic development.
The public's help is sought in research of the favorite things/places Madonna has visited that link the star to Bay City.
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mkusmierz Says:
On March 10, 2014
at 11:35 AM
It's about time the city is doing something to celebrate the world's greatest female entertainer. I'd like to see a street named after her. I think a good one would Water Street from where it enters off Washington avenue on the north to the Double Tree Restaurant on the south. Then encourage the existing businesses to add something about Madonna to their business.
Also, insist that the Bay County Historical Society feature her history permanently in the museum. Have St. Laurent name her most favorite candy after Madonna. How about a Madonna festival! How about sweet talking Dave Rodgers leading the way? |
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sheridangabriel Says:
On March 11, 2014
at 02:10 AM
I think this is a great and long overdue idea. Madonna,the singer, is my cousin on the Fortin side. Her mother Madonna Foftin (Chiconne), was born and married her in Bay City,baptized at Notre Dame de la Visitation where also married. Although she and her husband lived in Royal Oak,Michigan, she was visiting her mother "Elsie Fortin" when hdr water broke and she was rushed to Mercy Hospital,where her last child, Madonna, was born. Her mother died so young,in.her early 30's leaving 8 children without her loving care. Her mother was a devout catholic, and it was all so sad. Elsie Fortin,her mother's mother.died two years ago at age 99 and was buried from St.Mary of the Assumption church,where she would attend daily mass.They are both buried near my parents and grandparents in Calvary cemetery in Kawkawlin.Gabe Sheridan
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