The main focus of the meeting was the plansning of the Mental Health Fall Festival, with council members debating the feasibility and logistics of various proposed activities. The event aims to promote mental health awareness while providing family-friendly entertainment. Key attractions discussed included a pumpkin patch, petting zoo, face painting, craft tables, carnival games, and a potential performance by a local school band.

Concerns about the inclusion of a petting zoo were raised, particularly regarding safety and compliance with town regulations. The council acknowledged the necessity of establishing a list of prohibited items and ensuring that all vendors were informed of these rules. Additionally, there was a debate on whether conditions such as autism and ADHD should be included under the event’s mental health resources, reflecting differing opinions on the scope of the festival’s focus.

A major logistical issue involved potential scheduling conflicts with another committee holding an event on the same day from 1 PM to 4 PM. It was ultimately decided to maintain the current timing but to check in with the other committee to avoid conflicts. The council also emphasized the importance of accommodating families and ensuring engaging activities for children to boost attendance.

The financial aspects of the festival were a central topic, with discussions on the need for sponsorships to fund various components of the event. The council highlighted the necessity of a structured approach to securing sponsorships and updating the sponsorship sheet to reflect the event’s rebranding from a “Mental Health Awareness Walk” to a “Mental Health Festival.” It was noted that around $1,100 in sponsorship funds were currently available, though more would be required to cover all planned activities.

The council considered various suggestions for enhancing the festival, including having a DJ to create an engaging atmosphere. However, some members expressed skepticism about the need for formal registration, fearing it might complicate the event’s promotion. Additionally, the necessity of police presence was debated due to the high costs associated with police overtime, with some members suggesting a minimal presence unless the event’s size warranted more extensive security measures.

Volunteers were identified as crucial for the event’s success, with an estimated 40 volunteers needed. The council discussed recruiting from local schools, though there were limitations on the number of student volunteers. The need for dedicated volunteers for litter cleanup was emphasized, along with the associated costs for personnel involved in this task.

Another topic was the need for permits for food vendors, including food trucks. The council aimed to clarify the rules for these vendors and ensure that local businesses could participate without extensive bureaucratic hurdles. The inclusion of food vendors was seen as a beneficial arrangement for both vendors and attendees, contributing to the overall festival experience.

The meeting also highlighted a review of funding proposals for community initiatives, such as the Veterans Family Scholarship, which provides scholarships for veterans’ children. The council approved a motion to support Girl Scouts Troop 902’s “Paws for Veterans” program.

Promotional efforts for the festival were discussed in detail, including the design of a flyer to inform the public about the event. The flyer would feature a general invitation with mentions of food and crafts without committing to specific vendors to avoid misrepresentation. Social media promotion was acknowledged as essential, though a decision on this aspect was deferred to a later date.

The council recognized the importance of incorporating mental health themes into public awareness campaigns.