Minutes: Feb. 2016 meeting

[Christel Manning]

The Economic Development group met on Monday, Feb. 8, 2016, from 6 – 7 pm at 333 Front Street. Present: Christel, Brenda, Rich P, Nathalie B., Lisa. A big thank you for braving the weather to attend!!!

We continued planning for Riverfest 2016.  

1. Rain date. We discussed a possible change in the rain date because Lisa may have to attend her son’s graduation and QRWA cannot come on May 15. Among options considered was to simply not have a rain date and hope for the best. Alternatively, we might schedule the rain date for May 8. Christel will see if QWRA could do May 8, and Lisa will double check on the graduation date. We will bring this up for a vote at our March meeting.
2. New theme? Rich and Brenda suggested adding a Native American angle (the river is named after the Quinnipiac Indians). This might include a cultural presentation, or drumming circle, etc. Everyone loved this idea. R&B will follow up on this (see below).
3. Food and beer. Lisa said Kevin will do vegetarian pizza. Lisa has called 2 beer companies: Two Roads and Front Porch, but has not heard back yet. Still needs to discuss possibility of Grand Vin/Meat Truck (on closed portion of Front street) with Kevin.
4. Arts and Crafts on street. Natalie has contacted Clymenza who was sick today. But she’s interested in lining up some local artists to sell their creations on closed portion of Front street. Hopefully, she can attend our March meeting.
5. Music. Christel has contacted 3 bands. Four Barrell Billy has agreed to come. The rain date is ok w. them, but they requested an earlier time slot because they have another gig that day. Good Night Blue Moon has a conflict but they suggested another band (Blue Grass) we can contact. Ditto for Sandoval. Christel will follow up on both these leads. Rich suggested the possibility of having a drumming group instead of one of the bands. He will do some research on options for this. He will also ask FBB about bringing their own equipment.
6. Kids activities. Donna emailed her report, saying that she was able to secure the Sugar Cupcake Truck and the New Haven read mobile from the public library. Plus Common Grounds will come and set up a table with kid activities. Rich suggested doing something related to the Quinnipiac Indians. There may be an older representative of them still alive; his name is Fox Running. Also, Mohegan Sun’s PR department does a free presentation for children, and maybe they could do it here. Rich will follow up on this.
7. Canoeing and boating activities. John said CDBi can do a rowing demo with a couple of their experienced rowers. If people are willing to sign a waiver they could offer some free lessons, but the water is still very cold in May.
8. Website and publicity. Carlos had indicated a willingness to do this, but it seems like he may be too busy. So Christel did some editing of the site, and today Lee called to say that Thomas Harned may be able to work on it. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.
9. Fund raising. Christel sent copies of last year’s Riverfest Sponsor Form to all. She also made hard copies but forgot to distribute at meeting. Will bring next time.