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Parade goes live on RVTV By Myles Murphy Ashland Daily Tidings In an historic first, the Ashland July 4 parade will be broadcast live on local public access television, with two residents stepping forward to serve as unpaid announcers. "In the past we have taped the parade and then played it later, but this will be the first time we're going live," said Tim Bewley, a longtime public affairs programming moderator on Rogue Valley Community Television. Bewley and Ashland performance artist Joanie McGowan have volunteered to serve as emcees for next month's parade, replacing conservative radio talk show hosts Garth and Rosemary Harrington. Burned by the Harrington's controversial performance in 2002, the Ashland Chamber of Commerce decided this year to forego paid announcers altogether. "Last year we had a little bit of controversy surrounding the announcers," Chamber spokeswoman Mary Pat Parker said. "We decided to take a different approach this year." The chamber made the decision in July 2002 not to invite the Harringtons for an encore after a community outcry targeted some the duo's comments on parade entries over the past three years, comments perceived by some as negative or off-color. For a while, it looked as if there would be no announcers this year, leaving floats and other entries to amble slowly down Main Street in silence, with no explanation or recognition. McGowan wasn't willing to let that happen. "It's important to have a couple of people there who will honor all the work that went into the parade," McGowan said. "Then you can express your patriotism in whatever way you wish too - and that's where Garth and Rosemary failed. I am motivated by the terrible job Garth and Rosemary did last year." With a few frantic phone calls and a spirit of patriotic cooperation, McGowan coordinated efforts with the chamber and RVTV to provide live broadcasting of the parade. "It's a great example of what one person can do with a few friendly non-confrontational phone calls," McGowan said. "It shows how in Ashland, our government is accessible, organizations are accessible, people are accessible." McGowan is a long-time July 4 fanatic, participating in two parade entries in 2002. Her voice is also heard often on Jefferson Public Radio. Bewley hosts such shows as RVTV's "Ashland Town Hall," a live call-in show featuring city officials. "We live and work in Ashland," McGowan said. "We both are very involved in the community. We have more familiarity with Ashland businesses and organizations and we're capable of adding to the dialogue in a positive and upbeat way." The live broadcast will be a boon for Ashland residents unable to hack their way through the downtown traffic and streets packed with visitors to see the parade. McGowan plans to try and make the live show a permanent July 4 fixture. "It's going to be a blast and we should always have a live broadcast," she said. "Hopefully, it will continue as a tradition - as it should." But the work is not free, and the chamber was unable to devote any funds to announcing duties this year. While McGowan and Bewley will donate their time, funding crew and equipment run the live show for the day will cost about $550. McGowan hopes residents who appreciate the service will donate to RVTV to offset the cost, but she is prepared to cover the difference out of her own pocket. "I felt like someone had to step up to the plate and make that happen," McGowan said. "People put a lot of effort into the floats. To not have that really takes a way from the spirit of the parade. People need to be honored for stepping out and expressing their patriotism in their own ways. The parade is a fantastic tradition - an example of America at its best." McGowan will donate proceeds from her July 3 production of "Rude Awakening" to cover costs. A special fund has been set up at RVTV to take community contributions. Call 552-8777 for information. LINKS: DAILY TIDINGS: Main | News | Sports | Obituaries | Opinion | Columnists | AP News | Subscribe | Archives | Weather | Classifieds | Contact Us | Privacy REVELS: Main | Calendar | Dining | Movies | T.V. OTHER: Road Cams Copyright 2003 Ashland Daily Tidings 541.482.3456. 1661 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland, OR 97520. Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. - Advertisers -