I often hear people who visit Troy remark on how beautiful the city is architecturally, or they didn't know it had this or that, or simply their original perception of the city changed once they spent some time on the streets. It is clear that once we get them here, they leave with a much better impression of our historic city. So it is obvious to me that we simply need to get more people visiting Troy. The second Saturday of each month should be set aside as a theme day in Troy for the entire year. Each theme day will celebrate some part of our city and its people and events can be designed around each theme. So here are a dozen events that could bring people flocking to the city starting in 2004.

January

Education Day. Each of our educational institutions such as RPI, Sage, Emma Willard, HVCC, and the public schools can be open for visitors and have special events to promote their facilities, their history, students and faculty, and accomplishments.

February

Public Service Day. Each of our public service agencies can open their facilities and host various activities. This includes the Fire department with a tour of all the historic firehouses, and perhaps a demonstration of how they put out a real fire, etc. The Police Department can give kids a ride in their cars; show how radar works, and the latest technology in fighting crime. Tour the scene of famous crimes (Bat Shea) and the Court House where Legs Diamond was tried and acquitted. City and county offices can be open with tours and informational handouts on their services.

March

Made in Troy Day. Many of our manufacturing and hi-tech firms can open their doors, put on demonstrations, and show off their wares. Visit the last working iron foundry, a microbrewery, machine shop, palette factory, bakery, and more. You'd be surprised what is still being made here.

April

Lansingburgh Day. A day to show off the earliest settlement in Rensselaer County with walking tours of some of the earliest historic sites and businesses.

May

Neighborhood Day. Each of Troy's neighborhoods can throw a block party and show off their neighborhoods, enjoy a picnic, have garage sales, music, and tours of the areas, etc.

June

History Day. Actually November is history month in NYS but it is too cold. Here we can have guided tours of our great industrial history, including tours of the inside of some of the great mansions of the city. Visit the Burden Museum, archeological sites, the antiques district, and other standing structures of our illustrious past. Tour Oakwood, Mt Ida, and other cemeteries.

July

Parks Day. Celebrate our public parks. Coordinated events can be planned for Mt Ida (Prospect Park), Frear Park, Seminary Park, Barker Park, and Beman Park, ending with a great fireworks celebration from atop Mt Ida. Maybe we can even get inside the privately owned Washington Park.

August

Food Day. Troy has always been famous for its number of fine eating establishments. This day would feature a special price where you could go visit and sample a wide selection of great food locally made from world famous hot dogs to Vanilla Bean pastries.

September

People Day, On each corner of downtown, actors will portray various leading figures of Troy, doing a monologue or performing street theater. We can have Emma Willard talking about starting the first female college, John Griswold and General John Wool discussing the U.S.S. Monitor; as well as Uncle Sam, Amos Eaton, Clinton Meneely, and other notable figures from our past discussing their accomplishments.

October

Arts Day. Have an open house at the Arts center, as well as the numerous galleries and individual artists in Troy, all showing off their work. A large canvass can be placed in Monument Square and let every visitor sign their name and another where everyone can contribute their stroke to one large work of group art.

November

Faith Day. Each of our remaining churches and synagogues can be opened and admired for their architectural beauty, Tiffany stained windows, and religious traditions. At 3 PM, all of the bells (locally made by the way) in each can ring as a union and celebration of all faiths.

December

Victorian Stroll. We already have December covered with the annual Victorian Stroll. If it ain't broke, don't tinker.