My View – By Whitman Parker
For classical music lovers and wine fans, Jacksonville takes center stage this month as Britt celebrates 50 years of its classical roots and the World of Wine celebrates its 10th anniversary. In this issue, please enjoy Sara King Cole’s piece on Maestro Peter Bay who is hanging up his summer baton after twenty summer seasons conducting the Britt Orchestra. On that note, Terry and Paula Erdmann, our unfettered critics, have a treat in store titled, “Bring on the Baton.” And, Jo Parker’s article, “Why Go to WOW?” is a must-read for anyone interested in learning more about the exciting World of Wine event August 22-25 at Bigham Knoll.
The significance of Britt as it relates to the success of Jacksonville cannot be understated. Britt is to Jacksonville what Shakespeare is to Ashland. Likewise, our burgeoning wine scene including the Applegate Wine Trail is as culturally significant to Jacksonville as the Napa Valley is to the Bay Area. In today’s Jacksonville, music and wine have evolved into social and economic cornerstones upon which Jacksonville and Southern Oregon will thrive.
Hopefully, Jacksonville’s leaders will continue forging partnerships and developing relationships with Britt and vintners to help enrich concert and wine-related experiences for locals and for visitors flocking here. I’ve interviewed scores of business owners who say Britt is a key factor to surviving year-round in our small town and that the summertime business bump keeps many off-season doors open. Generally speaking, since the success of local businesses directly impacts our quality of life, property values and live-ability, a vibrant Britt and flourishing wine scene are positive attributes for the community.
Additionally, the grape explosion in the Applegate Valley and greater Rogue Valley wine region has resulted in shifting economic and cultural realities. Today, history is not the only draw. Rather, it is wine tasting rooms, unique stores, farmers markets, art galleries, and better restaurants set amidst a historic backdrop that is attracting visitors.
Today, more young adults are citing magnets like these as reasons to live, build careers, buy houses and raise families here. Undoubtedly, great cultural assets like Britt and the wine scene top the list of why so many of us have intentionally relocated here to work, live and retire.
This month, please join me in celebrating 50 years of classical music on the Britt Hill and our fabulous wine region at the World of Wine Festival in our Small Town with Big Atmosphere!