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Norfolk NE does it Big
From the
5 February 2008 edition of the Z-News.
So, you live in a rural town (population 24,000) that struggles for visibility. Limited budget. National name recognition hovering just above zero. What to do?
Lead with what you own and create an event that most would expect could only be accomplished in a major market.
Case in point: Norfolk NE. While Norfolk can boast the world’s only square turn tractor, its real claim to fame is that it was home to a young Johnny Carson, one of America’s most iconic comedians. And, leave it to the Bureau’s Lora Young and a dedicated committee of volunteers to dream up “The Great American Comedy Festival.”
This isn’t just a night of stand-up. It’s FIVE days and nights of “laugh-offs” for amateurs and professionals to compete for the opportunity to perform in the Comedy Finals and be crowned the “Next Great American Comedian.” Produced by “The Late Show’s” talent coordinator Eddie Brill, the week will also feature workshops for participants and attendees and a youth camp to teach kids the basics of comedy, improv and stand-up.
And lest anyone think this is just a bunch of wanna-bes showing off on stage, the event will be headlined by Robert Klein. The dates are June 17-22.
Lora’s been jetting around the country auditioning talent...and says she has quickly learned the difference between good and bad comedy. And that life doesn’t have to be as serious as we often make it.
It’s just another exciting example of the creativity that exists in small town destinations and DMOs. And a reinforcing reminder that you don’t need a big city or a big budget to come up with a big idea.
Congratulation Lora...and thanks for sharing such an inspirational story.
Bill
Wanna
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