A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the fundraising strategy for the Founders Festival 2026. The council highlighted the necessity of raising $25,000 to cover essential expenses such as fireworks, staffing, and logistics, including porta-potties. To facilitate donations, it was decided that contributions must be made via checks presented at council meetings, either dropped off at city hall or mailed. This decision emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, with suggestions for a tracking form to accurately log all donations.

The practicality of online donations was debated, considering the city’s financial deficit of $80,000. Despite interest in adding an online donation button on the city’s website, the council concluded that traditional methods like checks and cash would remain the focus due to potential additional costs associated with electronic options. A volunteer offered to collect donations directly from individuals unable to visit city hall.

To further incentivize contributions, a tiered sponsorship system was proposed, featuring levels such as platinum, gold, silver, and bronze, with varying thresholds and benefits. The top tier was proposed at $5,000, with silver and bronze set at $1,500 and $500, respectively. Sponsors would receive acknowledgments through thank-you letters and potential advertising on banners and social media. The council recognized that promotional materials, including video content, would enhance sponsor visibility.

Attention then turned to the festival branding efforts. The council discussed the creation of a one-page flyer for fundraising, emphasizing the importance of visual appeal and clarity in detailing donation tiers and benefits. An introductory letter from the city was proposed to establish credibility with potential sponsors unfamiliar with new representatives. Timely outreach to community organizations was stressed, with a member taking the lead on flyer creation.

The logistics for the fireworks display were outlined, with a proposed location near South Main and Idaho and a tentative start time of 10 PM. The initial budget for the display was set at $18,000, but a proposal to increase it to $20,000 was made to accommodate additional needs such as staffing for fire and police services. The council also explored the possibility of hosting a fundraising event, like a fish fry, to generate additional funds, acknowledging the upfront costs involved.

The meeting also touched upon the involvement of local entities and historical elements in the festival. The Lonsdale Aces baseball team was highlighted, with discussions on their potential participation in July 3rd events, despite scheduling challenges. The council explored backup plans to ensure the Aces’ involvement, even if a game could not be scheduled.

Ideas for festival activities included a Polish parade and storytelling sessions, with local historical knowledge enriching the content. Commitments were noted from local entities for a street dance and a barbecue cook-off, emphasizing reliance on participant fees rather than city funding.

The council also discussed the branding and logo for the festival, with a consensus on incorporating historical elements and a festive aesthetic. Preliminary designs were shared. The importance of the website in promoting the festival was noted, with plans to update it to reflect the festival’s branding and provide participation information to residents.