During Fall 2006, I had taken a Retail Management course at Memorial University and we focused on the Rooms, which is the province’s cultural facility – housing the Provincial Museum, Art Gallery and Archives.
Myself and fellow group member Doug G. were tasked with establishing an event at this facility and we decided to have a “Tilting Time” at Christmas.
Christmas in July: A Time in Tilting
Christmas has strong brand equity for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, especially the traditions and cultural activities in rural NL. It provides the Rooms the opportunity to market to locals, as well as give tourist an opportunity to experience the cultural significance of Christmas to outport Newfoundland in peak tourist season.
Christmas themed displays are attractive and encourage visits by people who may otherwise perceive The Rooms as a stuffy art gallery (D. Hayward, presentation to class, November, 28, 2006). The Christmas in July event will also expose summer tourists to aspects of Newfoundland culture that they would not normally have the opportunity to experience.
Décor: Freshly Cut Pine Trees stationed in Salt Beef Pails (3KGs), with old-fashioned, glass Christmas Balls with an array of colours. Glass Displays of Traditional Christmas Toys, Hand Carved Boats and Trains……….The event will feature live displays of mummering and static displays (mannequins) of mummers in the social epicenter of an outport home… the kitchen. The mummers will engage the visitors and encourage them to take part in their playful antics and dancing.
Music: Simini, CD signing at the Gift shop; translate into sales Traditional Newfoundland entertainer, Bud Davidge of Simani will be invited to perform songs including the Christmas favourite The Mummer’s Song A CD signing will take place in the gift shop following the performance.
Theatre: Mummers Re-enactment; Stage set in the kitchen; linked to Simini. (Displays about Mummering; disguises; Mummer’s Troupe (Chris Brooks), David Blackwood and tie in the English and Irish History.
Old-Fashion Time: Fogo Accordion Group and Square Dancers; Ugly Stick
Taste of Tilting: Traditional Food of from the shore (possibly some seafood appetizers and land (agricultural aspect) finger foods; vegetable trays from fresh garden vegetables. Rooms Restaurant have a special events menu during the day for Christmas Dinner, peas soup, jigs dinner, baked beans and fish cakes…….
Weeks leading up to the event have all visitors at the museum or gift shop fill out an entry form (optional) requesting name, telephone and email. All visitors can be added to an email list and informed about the event and that the draw will be taking place at the Christmas in July; Tilting Time. A local artist could also donate a portrait of Tilting from the 1950’s at the event to attract a large crowd and have works and prints on display at the gift shop. A way to tie in the product and artist selection and solicitation for traveling exhibits.
Sales Promotion: A trip for two to tilting to enjoy the Beach Festival; Accommodations at Foley’s B&B, Boat Tour, Lane’s Museum, Historical Tour, Ferry/Travel(Rental Car).
Purity as a corporate sponsor……offer purity syrup to guests… care packages in the gift shop. Advertise by handing out peppermint candy in a Rooms Exclusive brown paper plastic wrapping with a gift tag attached inviting patrons to the Christmas in July Party. Appeal to the clientele…..try to create buzz in the community….word of mouth.
Sending Christmas cards to valued customers (and those you hope to attract) can be an effective marketing tactic. Also, donate a Product to your local area Radio Station, they have numerous contests and they are always looking for sponsors! Christmas in July Special. Written off as a tax deduction. Plus free advertising and exposure for your business donation.
The concept of a Tilting Time is applicable to opportunities on the Great Northern Peninsula for organizations and businesses to reach a broad audience and promote our unique culture and heritage.
Live Rural NL –
Christopher C. Mitchelmore
Related articles
- Mummers (thanks to Anita Lynn Swallow) (anniemyblog.wordpress.com)
