At a press conference earlier this morning, Central National Bank officials introduced plans for a new family-friendly tradition taking place this Fall, which bank officials hope will become an annual affair for the Central Texas community—Columbus Day at Central National Bank.
The free event, which will coincide with the 523rd anniversary of Columbus’ voyage across the Atlantic, will take place on Monday, October 12th, and is open to all members of the public.
A new event fueled by past success
Bank leaders credit the addition of this new event to the popularity of their annual “Christmas at Central National Bank,” where families and their children come to have pictures taken with Santa, write letters to the North Pole, and receive free coloring books.
“There’s no doubt we wouldn’t be undertaking this effort if we didn’t see such a demand for family-friendly activities here in Central Texas,” said Joe Nesbitt, president of the bank’s Central Tower location. “That, and banks have taken a bad rap for closing on Columbus Day. So, we’re really killing two birds with one stone—we’re giving back to the community, and it’s on our day off.”
According to preliminary details released by the bank, Columbus Day at Central National Bank will feature a number of family-friendly activities on the bank’s Highway 84 front lawn, most notably including free pictures with a Christopher Columbus look-a-like, a 45 ft. tall historically-accurate replica of the Santa Maria, and free flu vaccinations for the first 300 families.
A conceptual rendering of Columbus Day at CNB.
For event personnel, the bank has partnered with local staffing and event planning firms to make sure event attendees have—what the bank is calling—a “top notch” experience. When asked why no bank employees would be on-site to facilitate the event, Nesbitt added, “Are you kidding me? It’s a bank holiday.”
Possible mutiny among the ranks
Despite the enthusiasm of many bank leaders, not all employees were necessarily thrilled with news of the announcement.
“It seems like a horrible idea, really,” said Caitlyn Remson, manager of the bank’s credit department and the bank’s featured elf for Christmas at CNB. “It’s almost as ill-conceived as sailing westward from Spain in hopes of reaching India. The parallels are uncanny.”
Even with some employees expressing angst over the idea, bank officials maintain that customers are optimistic and open-minded about the concept.
Plans for other events in the future
Should Columbus Day at Central National Bank prove successful, bank leaders hope it could pave the way for additional community events to coincide with holidays like Presidents’ Day, Arbor Day, and St. Patrick’s Day.
“This is really just the beginning for us,” said Nesbitt. “Our course is set, and our eyes are on the horizon. There’s no turning back now.”
From everyone at Central National Bank, Happy April Fools’ Day!