by Debbi | Mar 3, 2011 | Guest Blogs, St. Patrick's Day
This is a guest blog by the Sandbar's art director & chief mischief maker, Brother Pants. If you need something framed, he's your guy. Visit him at Fast Frame on West 6th Street.
The Sandbar has been entering floats in the St Patty's Day parade for over a decade, but the thing that makes their floats as unique and original as the bar itself is their departure from the rules of traditional parade floats. With the Sandbar, it is less a float as it is a theatrical experience. And that's why I am honored to be part of the team.
It actually reminds me of my high school experiences in the theater department. The float ideas start months in advance (usually over some tasty beverages) and the construction and production is very similar to a stage production. Of course the actual building of the float goes on for a few weeks by a horde of volunteer workers (usually consisting of employees or SB regulars) led by the dedicated Dave Johanning, compiling hundreds of manhours (and beers).
On another front, staff members often teach dance routines, create costumes and build scenery. And amidst the madness, as time is running short, there always seems to be a specific moment when you just know it's going to be a great show (for me last year, it was when I saw the smoke come out of the dragon's nose at 1 a.m. in Dave's shop). Always a team effort.
And when the big day arrives, and the anticipation peaks, and the music rises, and thousands of people line the streets, it's as if the curtain rises on the stage and the show begins. It's worth every minute.
by Debbi | Mar 2, 2011 | St. Patrick's Day
Our annual Sandbar float-building extravaganza has finally begun, a little behind schedule this year.
We have a new space to build our creation this year. Good thing, since we outgrew Dave's yard several years ago. And our new space is indoors, with heat and running water, so we don't freeze to death.
The boys have decided to mark their progress this year not by how big the float structure is, but rather by their beer can structure:
Check back tomorrow for an inside look at float building from one of our experienced crew members.
by Debbi | Mar 1, 2011 | Cool Stuff, Ottawa
We're big fans of Premier Mobile Spray Tan, and not just because it's another Madl business.
Several of the Sandbar girls have tried out the spray tans, and it's very natural looking. We didn't turn orange, and the tan lasted nearly two weeks.
While Premier is still a "mobile" spray tan business, Amelia has opened a by-appointment-only studio in downtown Ottawa above the Sandbar Sub Shop, 127 S. Main.
Grand Opening Special!
On Wednesday and Thursday (March 2 & 3), Premier Spray Tan is hosting its grand opening at the new studio. Get a full body spray tan for just $20!
Call Amelia at 785.393.9583 to book your appointment.
And if you're still not sure, be sure to watch for our float in the St. Patrick's Day parade. We'll be the tannest ones there!
by Debbi | Feb 28, 2011 | Cool Stuff, Good Things, Social Media
Here's something unique you probably never knew you needed: a custom car emblem with your Twitter handle on it.
Local business skooladesign creates these fun emblems, but you don't have to have a Twitter account to have one. You could probably order any word or symbol you wanted. And you don't have to put it on your car- we aren't sure where we're putting ours yet. Maybe somewhere in the bar. Maybe on Andrew's car.
On a side note, it's an interesting story as to how we got this emblem.
Bill, the designer behind skooladesign, recently traveled to the Super Bowl with his father, who won the tickets in a contest. However, the prize didn't include airfare or a hotel. Bill's wife, Sarah, jokingly tweeted one day that if all of her Facebook friends and Twitter followers pledged a buck, she could send the boys on their dream trip.
Funny thing- people responded with offers of a dollar or five or ten, and before long Bill and his dad were on their way. You can read the entire story here and here.
Everyone who donated at least ten bucks was given a custom car emblem as a thank-you gift. So not only did we get to contribute to the experience of a lifetime, we also got a cool, unique gift in return.
by Debbi | Feb 27, 2011 | Off the Wall, People
Have you seen the fantastic surfboard that holds a place of honor on top of our giant fishtank?
This surfboard was donated by Sandbar friend Peter and his girlfriend, Alex. It was their parting gift to us, as they both recently graduated from KU and moved back to Los Angeles.
Peter brought the surfboard to Lawrence from California, and Alex painted the Jayhawk on it.
Peter worked at Louise's West while he was in school at KU, and he was along for Joe's infamous Vegas bachelor trip last summer.
Thanks, Peter and Alex!
