Letter to the Editor

The Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau thanks everyone involved in planning and hosting the wonderful Zenshin Daiko community concert and tours in Austin.

On June 21, 46 young people and their organizers came all the way from Maui, Hawaii, to visit Minnesota, to perform for our residents and to enjoy their much-adored Spam. They wanted to experience Minnesota BBQ, too, so they ate at Piggy Blues, then toured the Spam Museum and The Hormel Institute. They had the full Spam experience, including Spamples during their tour, and Spamburger sandwiches at the picnic in the park.

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department staff and Board of Directors, along with the Austin CVB’s full staff and Board of Directors, were happy to host this event for the city. There are so many sponsors that helped make the day a most memorable one for our visitors: including the Bruins Bruiser and Austin’s own Spammy, Todd Hepler of Hy-Vee, Jim and Merlene Stiles of Superfresh Produce and Bakery, Dr. Gareth Hataye, Joel Nelson of Nelson Sound and Scott Anderson, and to Hormel Foods Corp.: Jeff Ettinger, Nicole Behne, and Steve Binder. Thanks to Jeff Austin for representing the City Council, thanks to all of the good sports who played along with the “daiko” drum lessons on stage, and of course, thanks to all those who came out to the park to enjoy a beautiful summer’s evening of outstanding entertainment!

Officials put the number attending at somewhere between 600 and 1,000 people, spread out all over the park. We have full coverage and lots of photos on our Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/pages/Austin-Convention-Visitors-Bureau/315110621875. Our new friends of Zenshin Daiko said that Austin will always be the highlight of their trip!

Cheryl Corey

Executive Director

Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau