Positivity - The Word with
Heather René Dunaway
September 2025
The photo to the right is a perfect representation of how I was all weekend. Hot, sweaty and sun burnt. Our little office of 4, plus our seasonal workers and volunteers work hard in the days and weeks (and for GAAC staff, months) leading up to the festival. This involves being out in the Georgia elements, which is grueling to say the least. Thank goodness for our friends at the Boll Weevil who kept us fed, ice tea’d, and cool all weekend long.
It’s times like these where I have to buckle up for safety and remind myself to stay positive, or else I might just ruin my own good time. It’s easy to get bothered when you are running on fumes, in 90 degree heat, being pulled in all directions. Lucky for me I have a great team to work with and get to work with the littles all weekend. Not everyone has a little kid with faceprint and a funny hat to brighten their day, I suppose.
But, it’s an important reminder for artists and patrons who go to these types of arts events to stay positive and find the bright side. This was a whole new layout for all of us, so we discovered in real time issues that we had to resolve all weekend long. Like gravel in wheels of baby buggies, kids throwing rocks at each other for fun, boiling pavement and minimal shade, flooding… Yeah we saw a lot this past weekend and had to roll with the punches along with everyone else. We did, however, keep rolling and keep IT rolling.
I most appreciate the artists who kept things positive all weekend, and I feel like those artists sold a good bit more because of it. Imagine a patron walking into your booth and you only have negative things to say about the festival and your experience. Not only is that patron less likely to buy from you (or want to engage with you in any way), they are now walking around with a negative outlook on the festival, and spreading that to the next person they interact with and so on. Maybe it’s my retail and f&b experience popping out, but you aren’t supposed to let the guests see you sweat. From their point of view, things should look like a cake walk. If they are having a good time, they are going to spend more money. If you are ruining their good time with negativity, you’re hurting your own chances of ALSO having a good time and making some money while doing it.
This isn’t to say that complaints aren’t valid. There is definitely a time and place for that, and a right ear to share that with. There are for sure some things we are keeping in mind for next year. It’s just that, positivity can go a long way in having an impact on your bottom line.
This goes for performers too.
I think it’s also important to remember there is a right way and a wrong way to address issues with staff. Yelling at someone isn’t productive and likely won’t get you what you want. Heck, it might even get you in trouble. I think taking a moment to breathe, collect your thoughts and write them out is the best practice. Otherwise, you just come off as a jerk and your very valid issues won’t be addressed. Staff are people too. We are all just doing our best to make your and our patrons experiences the best possible. Constructive criticism is always welcome. Emphasis on constructive.
So keep that positivity, even if you are melting in the heat. Even if you have a screaming person in your face. Even if it rains on your parade. It will be better for everyone in the long run.
Anywho, I’m tired and that’s the word. Here’s some cute pics from the weekend’s activities in the Family Area and on the Stage.
-Heather
