The council’s primary focus was the planning and execution of the Centennial Festival, scheduled for mid-May. A major topic of discussion was the scheduling of the festival and its associated parade. There was debate over whether to combine the parade with the festival to create a unified celebration. One proposed solution was to host the parade at the end of the festival day, around 5 p.m., to maintain engagement and draw a larger crowd. This suggestion aimed to accommodate families with children who might prefer an earlier start and others who would arrive later for the evening festivities.

Logistical considerations were a central concern, with council members deliberating over parade routes and traffic management. Several routes were proposed, including a starting point at a local Walmart, to ensure minimal disruption to local traffic. The need for a comprehensive traffic control plan was emphasized, with proposals to involve local law enforcement to manage road closures and ensure emergency access. The council also discussed the importance of having a backup parade route in case of unforeseen issues, highlighting the need for coordination with police and fire services.

The festival’s vendor management was another topic, with discussions on how to effectively organize vendor setup and participation. Ensuring vendors remained until the festival’s end was identified as vital for maintaining a vibrant atmosphere. The council recognized the necessity of clear communication with vendors regarding their responsibilities and the logistics of setting up without disrupting parade activities. There was a consensus on the potential for vendors to stay overnight in the park, provided security measures were in place.

In addition to the festival, the council addressed the scheduling of a car show and food truck night, initially planned for early May. Due to a lack of vendor participation and entertainment arrangements, it was recommended to reschedule these events to coincide with other activities. The council explored various venue options, with a preference for holding the car show in Walmart’s back parking lot to avoid issues with visibility and space constraints associated with other locations.

The council also broached the idea of incorporating a charitable aspect into the festival. However, concerns about city regulations potentially prohibiting such donations were noted. Despite these concerns, the council expressed interest in involving charities as a means to attract more attendees and bolster community engagement.

Additionally, the council discussed preparations for the mayor’s ball, an event within the Centennial celebrations. Ticket sales were reportedly low, with only two sales confirmed. The council considered offering free invitations to city board and committee members, with a 50% discount for their guests, to encourage attendance. The potential for combining physical and digital invitations was also debated to ensure broader outreach.

The council recognized the need for detailed promotional materials and flyers to advertise the various events, with a focus on updating these materials to reflect any changes in scheduling or locations.