Weinland Park Community Civic Association

Planning Committee for Weinland Park Neighborhood Festival

Summary of meeting of October 29, 2015
Diane Dixon, Chair, and Ashley Dixon, Co-Chair
Diane Dixon called the meeting to order at 5:01 p.m. at Godman Guild. In addition to Ms. Dixon, those
in attendance were Terry Althouse, Susan Colbert, Ashley Dixon, Melissa Niece, and Steve Sterrett.
The purpose of the meeting was to review how the festival went on August 8 and to make initial plans
for the festival in 2016.
Survey. Ms. Dixon reported on the results of the survey of festival goers. Four persons noted on the
survey that they liked the Godman Guild site for the festival, but Ashley Dixon said she did hear from
persons who wondered why the festival wasnt in the park. People suggested that the food vendors be
grouped together in one area. The survey found that people liked the information tables and the giveaways. In general, people gave the festival high marks.
Date and location. After thoughtful discussion, the committee agreed with the recommendation of the
WPCCA Steering Committee that the 2016 festival be held on Saturday, August 6, in Weinland Park
(behind the elementary school). Steve Sterrett will ask Erin Prosser to reserve the park with the
Columbus Recreation and Parks Department.
Logistics:
The 10 canopy tents worked well and are stored at Godman Guild for use in 2016. The committee
didnt feel there would be a need to rent a large tent in 2016.
The festival rented the portable dance floor, 35 tables and 60 chairs from Lasting Impressions at
cost of $1,316. A few more tables and chairs may be needed in 2016 since Weinland Park doesnt
have the picnic tables that Godman Guild has.
In general, the festival went well at Godman Guild, as did the street closures and parking.
Activities:
The stage worked well, but the DJ may need a more powerful sound system.
The performers were well-received, particularly zumba and Olaniyis line dancing.
We had a record number of information tables and vendors. Unfortunately, Godman Guilds
building separated the vendors from the rest of the festival. In general, however, the organizations
and vendors were pleased with the event. A couple of vendors did not have many sales. The
committee agreed that all vendors (who sell products) should pay a fee to participate.
The taco truck, Blue Bowtie Bistro, and Grace Baptist Churchs fish fry were the primary food
vendors. The taco truck wants to return next year. The icee truck wants to come in 2016. An ice
cream truck should be invited.
The childrens activities, particularly the bounce house, went well, but the children werent
interested in playing the games that were offered.
The P&G giveaway and bicycle raffle went well. For next year, however, we should be clearer
about how to obtain a card and get stickers from the information tables and vendors to be eligible
for the give-aways. The card also should request name, address, phone number and email address
to be able to contact residents later about other opportunities.
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The bake-off didnt work this year. People didnt know about it. Perhaps, the bake-off next year
could involve well-known residents, and then be expanded to everyone in future years.
For next year, committee members suggested a dunk tank, pie-eating contest, and cream pie in the
face booth.

Volunteers:
The festival had a number of volunteers from outside the neighborhood, but not as many from the
neighborhood. The volunteers from the YWCA would like to return next year.
The festival was short of volunteers for take-down and clean-up.
Budget:
The cost of the festival was about $3,400.
There appear to be no outstanding bills.
Thank you. Diane and Ashley Dixon sent thank-you letters to 24 persons in early September for their
assistance and the assistance of their organizations with the planning and staging of the festival.
The business of the planning committee being completed, Diane Dixon adjourned the meeting at 5:51
p.m.

Summary prepared by Steve Sterrett.