Hello! It is our urgent hope that all of our Big Top friends are well and that we will be able to gather again very soon to share music and camaraderie in the Northwoods. In the meantime, we trust you are staying healthy and navigating your way successfully through these uncharted waters. We write now to share our 2019 Annual Report; it shows a rich picture of a more prosperous time, one that we long to return to as soon as possible.
As you all know, we had to make the excruciating decision to call off our season of events this summer. We believe we had the responsibility to protect our patrons, volunteers, performers, staff and community. We are currently working to reschedule many of our 2020 shows for summer of 2021. Additionally, we are keeping our programs going over the air with Tent Show Radio and now online with our new Tiny Tent Show series on Facebook and YouTube. What fun it has been getting to know our Blue Canvas Orchestra members in a new, personal way. I hope you have been able to tune in at 7PM on Friday evenings, or find the shows anytime on Big Top’s Youtube channel. The new online series has been an important touchstone for the Big Top Family across the country, and has provided some work for our beloved Blue Canvas Orchestra musicians.
We are getting through this season by decreasing all possible expenses and relying on operating donations and the federal PPP funds we have secured. We will also need to use some of our savings from ticketing fees, and some of our Keepers funds, with the permission of the donors. We greatly appreciate your support and flexibility as we work toward our grand return in 2021 for our 35th Anniversary Season.
The support for Big Top has been so heartwarming during this time of great need. It is clear that Big Top Chautauqua is an iconic and important beacon of music, arts and culture for the Northwoods and beyond. Thank you for being an invaluable part of the Big Top Family and for all you are doing to keep the music and connections happening at this time of quiet.
