Growing a Community’s Quality of Life: An Ode to the Baraboo Acts Coalition

Seth Taft

Tribalized Entertainment dancer at Celebrate Sauk.

Former Downtown Baraboo Inc. Executive Director

Current Friends of Wisconsin State Parks Executive Director

“We were never a black-and-white Mayberry. We are a beautiful, colorful, Baraboo.”

One of my all-time favorite shows is “The Andy Griffith Show.” It’s feel-good, smalltown charm, where everyone knows everybody and feeds off each other is something I revert to when I need a good pick-me-up. Working in downtown Baraboo, I feel that the community can relate to this classic television series in many ways. However we also have something going for our area that is neglected in the show: The colorful palate of a rich and diverse community.

In the last three-plus years serving as Downtown Manager for Downtown Baraboo Inc., I had the opportunity to collaborate and network with an array of different businesses and organizations. It has been both a privilege and joy to be thoroughly engaged with the Baraboo Acts Coalition (BAC). The BAC does more than orchestrate events to promote a mission. Their events unite people through sharing the diverse array of cultures and experiences that inhabit our community, which serves to strengthen the interconnectedness among us. Weaving stories and emotions, with food and music cultivates the notion that we all have something special to learn and give each other.

Weaving stories and emotions, with food and music cultivates the notion that we all have something special to learn and give each other.

Learning a traditional Hawaiian dance from Kehaulani Jones at Celebrate Sauk.

I can attest that the BAC has made immense progress in their efforts in the Baraboo area. The first is their well-established “Celebrate Sauk” event. It is a testament to the power of diversity and inclusivity. This event honors culture and people through food, music, art, dance, and storytelling. An event of this magnitude has fostered another way to fuel a smalltown economy. Many artists bring fresh ideas and different ways to solve local problems. When people with different backgrounds and experiences come together, they offer unique perspectives that lead to innovation. As a result, Celebrate Sauk becomes more than a celebration, it is an opportunity to recognize how differences bring strength and a growing network to assist Baraboo in moving forward.

This past winter, I had the chance to participate in the “Baraboo Reads” program. It was supported by many partners including the BAC, the Baraboo Area Literacy Council, The Carnegie Schadde Memorial Public  Library, Wisconsin Humanities as well as the Community Foundation of South Central Wisconsin. The book discussion of “The Sum of Us” by Heather McGhee, led by former Baraboo School District Superintendent Dr. Rainey Briggs, initiated some deep thought and reflection. What happens to others when progress is made for some, but not all? Are there economic policies in play that harm others in the Baraboo community? It was a program that helped many to think deeply and understand our privileges, as well as the lack of opportunities that exist for others that are underrepresented in Baraboo.

What happens to others when progress is made for some, but not all? Are there economic policies in play that harm others in the Baraboo community?

It was a program that helped many to think deeply and understand our privileges, as well as the lack of opportunities that exist for others that are underrepresented in Baraboo.

Spring Fair on the Square in Baraboo

 As I said at the beginning, I love The Andy Griffith Show and the values it shares. But I appreciate even more the community and Baraboo has offered me as an individual I am grateful to not only have cooperated with the Baraboo Acts Coalition, but I am also indebted to how they have allowed me to think more broader, invited me to experience all who bring their values into the community, and listen to the stories of those who have the courage and drive to do so. These contributions to Baraboo, have inspired me as a community resident to help broaden the message that "All are welcome here in the magic of Downtown Baraboo." It's also motivated me to work with partners to encourage that our state lands are spaces where all can wander and wonder.

We need to continue to work together to foster equity and inclusion. It’s more than just saying the words, it’s about connecting locally, and diversifying leadership, in order to be fresh and unique. It can be often easier said than done, but there’s no doubt that with organizations such the Baraboo Acts Coalition, we can find success. We were never a black-and-white Mayberry. We are a beautiful, colorful, Baraboo.

Seth Taft

As I said at the beginning, I love The Andy Griffith Show and the values it shares. But I appreciate even more the community and Baraboo has offered me as an individual I am grateful to not only have cooperated with the Baraboo Acts Coalition, but I am also indebted to how they have allowed me to think more broader, invited me to experience all who bring their values into the community, and listen to the stories of those who have the courage and drive to do so. These contributions to Baraboo, have inspired me to see how I can grow Downtown Baraboo Inc. events and activities and broaden the message that “All are welcome here in the magic of Downtown Baraboo.” We need to continue to work together to foster equity and inclusion. It’s more than just saying the words, it’s about connecting locally, and diversifying leadership, in order to be fresh and unique. It can be often easier said than done, but there’s no doubt that with organizations such the Baraboo Acts Coalition, we can find success. We were never a black-and-white Mayberry. We are a beautiful, colorful, Baraboo.