A Ribbon cutting ceremony that isn't
May 2, 2012 4:36 PM Subscribe
Ideas for a building dedication that doesn't include a ribbon cutting?
A friend has been tasked with coming up with an indoor building dedication idea that does not include 1) ribbon cutting, 2) pyrotechnics, 3) balloons, 4) booze. Apparently no one is expected to have *fun* at this. Your (fun anyway!) ideas would be welcome. Thanks!
A friend has been tasked with coming up with an indoor building dedication idea that does not include 1) ribbon cutting, 2) pyrotechnics, 3) balloons, 4) booze. Apparently no one is expected to have *fun* at this. Your (fun anyway!) ideas would be welcome. Thanks!
Best answer: Time capsule? Take a bunch of photos of the grand opening and immediately bury them someplace in the building.
posted by jessamyn at 4:52 PM on May 2, 2012
posted by jessamyn at 4:52 PM on May 2, 2012
I guess you'll just have to do a regular dedication ceremony without the ribbon cutting or having any champagne.
So, sing the anthem. Read off the names on the plaque if any. (Although if you're going to bother having a dedication ceremony of any kind, having a plaque seems kind of de rigueur.) Have some remarks from the administrator of the new facility and perhaps the highest ranking dignitary present. Someone says "I declare <the name of the building> open!" Then have punch and eat cake. Maybe hire a DJ or a chamber quartet as appropriate for the reception.
A time capsule sounds good, if accommodations can be made to incorporate it into the structure itself.
posted by ob1quixote at 5:08 PM on May 2, 2012
So, sing the anthem. Read off the names on the plaque if any. (Although if you're going to bother having a dedication ceremony of any kind, having a plaque seems kind of de rigueur.) Have some remarks from the administrator of the new facility and perhaps the highest ranking dignitary present. Someone says "I declare <the name of the building> open!" Then have punch and eat cake. Maybe hire a DJ or a chamber quartet as appropriate for the reception.
A time capsule sounds good, if accommodations can be made to incorporate it into the structure itself.
posted by ob1quixote at 5:08 PM on May 2, 2012
This isn't exactly a building dedication, but I found this to be extremely clever. A bridge recently closed in Portsmouth, NH, and at the closing ceremony, they got the same person who originally cut the ribbon to come back and tie two ends of a ribbon together.
Former Portsmouth Mayor Eileen Foley, 93, was just five years old when she cut the ribbon to officially open the Memorial Bridge in 1923. With dozens of Portsmouth and Kittery, Maine, officials and residents present, Foley tied a blue ribbon around the bridge's plaque bringing both of their lifespans full circle. [Link]posted by RonButNotStupid at 6:41 PM on May 2, 2012 [2 favorites]
A ribbon untying, perhaps? A nice big symbolic bow that somebody tugs the end of until it comes loose?
posted by Faint of Butt at 6:53 PM on May 2, 2012
posted by Faint of Butt at 6:53 PM on May 2, 2012
How about a slideshow?
Did someone (the administation, the construction company, etc) take photos before, during, and after the construction (or remodeling, or whatever it is)? Are there architect plans/models to ooh and ahh at? A virtual tour of the building, pointing out its awesome features (look, the window wall here saves energy through networked lighting and HVAC controls!)
posted by aimedwander at 7:50 PM on May 2, 2012
Did someone (the administation, the construction company, etc) take photos before, during, and after the construction (or remodeling, or whatever it is)? Are there architect plans/models to ooh and ahh at? A virtual tour of the building, pointing out its awesome features (look, the window wall here saves energy through networked lighting and HVAC controls!)
posted by aimedwander at 7:50 PM on May 2, 2012
Depending on the function of the building (I think it needs to be civic/public use) you might ask the local Freemasons to do a cornerstone dedication ceremony.
posted by usonian at 7:51 PM on May 2, 2012
posted by usonian at 7:51 PM on May 2, 2012
Response by poster: Thanks for the suggestions everyone; I passed them along, and the time capsule idea got some interest as a part of the proceedings.
That is a really neat story RonButNotStupid - thanks for sharing it!
posted by faineant at 10:31 AM on May 3, 2012
That is a really neat story RonButNotStupid - thanks for sharing it!
posted by faineant at 10:31 AM on May 3, 2012
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posted by notyou at 4:52 PM on May 2, 2012