Do we need all of these events in Coconut Grove?

A few of us were talking in the gym last week and I was surprised to learn that many people don't really care about all the events we have in Coconut Grove. The subject came up because we were talking about funding cuts that will affect many of our yearly events. But while people like the Great Grove Bed Race and all the 4th of July activities and the King Mango Strut and Taste of the Grove, they seem to prefer a quieter village. In other words, they would prefer to leave Coconut Grove to attend events and then return to a quite home after partying it up elsewhere.

I find it interesting because it does make a lot of sense. While I am on many of the event committees around town, it is a lot of work for something that perhaps people don't really care about. I mean they'll attend, but don't seem to feel that they would miss them if they would go away. We always say that the Grove is event driven. But why?

Most events, all in fact, I think, are created to bring business to the area but not many businesses support the events. I know, I've walked door to door trying to have them participate. Most don't.

So what's your vote? How do you feel? Are you a resident or business owner? Do you like the events like the King Mango Strut and Bed Race and Taste of the Grove and Arts Festival or could you do without them? Do you prefer partying it up in South Beach or Brickell and then coming home to a quiet neighborhood or do you like more life on the streets?