July 21, 2009

Dear Friend,

Have your heard the good news? The pawpaw is now Ohio’s official native fruit!!!

Thanks to the support of State Senator Jimmy Stewart, the Ohio Pawpaw Growers Association and pawpaw devotees across the state, Senate Bill 243 finally was signed into law by Governor Ted Strickland in January. Though the tomato was named the official fruit of Ohio, we couldn’t be happier to see the pawpaw designated as the official native fruit. Congratulations and thanks to all, including our festival sponsors, for believing in the pawpaw!

We know these aren’t the easiest of times, especially when it comes to sponsoring events such as ours. But with folks out of work, public library hours slashed and other social programs cut back, we feel it is even more important to keep the Ohio Pawpaw Festival rolling. We are proud to offer a low-cost event for families, students, senior citizens and many others that is recreational as well as educational. We’re accessible, affordable and cherished by our local community. And we hope you will continue to offer or consider offering your support. You also have a positive impact on our community and we’d love for you to join our team through financial sponsorship of the 11th Annual Ohio Pawpaw Festival.

This year’s festival will be held September 19 & 20, from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. on Saturday and from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, at LakeSnowden near Albany, Ohio. Admission is $5.00 per day or $8.00 for a weekend pass; children under 12 are free. Hocking College is also collecting a $2.00 per day/$3.00 for the weekend parking fee.

The pawpaw crop looks to be exceptional, which should result in an abundance of entries into the pawpaw cook-off and the best pawpaw competition. These are the main events held in the Pawpaw Tent, with other presentations on growing and cooking with pawpaws. And who can forget the spectacle that is the pawpaw-eating contest?

We’ve also got great music on our main stage featuring a diverse mix of regional acts featuring Appalachian reggae, big band and alt.country bluegrass. We are also pleased to announce that OhioUniversity’s Office of Sustainability is organizing the popular Ohio Country Fair Tent. And children should be pleased with the arrival of several inflatable, bouncing structures.

As usual, the Community Market Place will feature a mix of artists, organizations, businesses and food vendors, all of which have pawpaw dishes for you to try. And don’t forget to try a pawpaw wheat beer in the beer garden.

Please take a moment to review the attached sponsorship document. In addition to the satisfaction of being an integral part of regional growth and success, we would like to offer you rewards in exchange for your potential sponsorship. Feel free to contact me with any questions, concerns or requests that you may have. And thank you for your time and consideration. Let’s make this year’s fest the best ever!

Sincerely,

Chris Chmiel

Organizer, Ohio Pawpaw Festival

11th ANNUAL OHIO PAWPAW FESTIVAL, 2009

Sponsorship Form

Sponsorship Levels

PAWPAW PAL
$50.00 Level / PAWPAW
FAN
$100.00 Level / PAWPAW
ENTHUSIAST
$250.00 Level /
PAWPAW
DEVOTEE
$500.00 Level /
PAWPAW
FANATIC
$1000.00 Level
Free 2009 Ohio Pawpaw Festival T-shirt / One / One / Two / Three / Four
Free admission to 2009 festival / Two / Two / Three / Four / Five
Business name printed as a sponsor in the
festival program / X / X / X / X / X
Link to your business on festival website / X / X / X / X
Business name printed on festival posters / X / X / X
Business name and logo printed on festival
posters / X / X
X / X
Business name attached to 2009 festival area
via website, program and on -site signage / X
Business Information: (please print legibly)
Business Name:
Contact Person:
Address:
Phone: Email: Web Site:
Sponsorship Level you wish to pledge:
If pledging at the Pawpaw Fanatic Level, choose your 1st, 2nd, and 3rd area of interest from below:
Beer Garden___ Main Stage___ Children’s Tent___ Pawpaw Tent___ Community Marketplace___
Ohio Country Fair Tent ____
Authorizing Official: Title:
Signature: Date: