02-19-97"FIRST NIGHT" STEERING COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF MEETING OF FEBRUARY 19, 1997
The "First Night" Steering Committee held its regular meeting
on Wednesday, February 19 in the Commission Chambers. Pre-
sent were: Co -Chairpersons Nancy DeCandis and Rosemary Flet-
cher, Woody Winfree, Tim and Lavinia Kubiak, Karen Summers,
Pam Bushnell, Suzanne Judas, Dezmond Waters, Barbara Benisch,
Thelma Fugere, and Carl Walker, Coordinator. Also present
were guests/new members, Stephanie Galloway, Donna Glover,
Cindy Grossberg and Lisa Goodrich.
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM and introductions
were made by those present. The minutes of the last meeting
were corrected to show that Nancy DeCandis was present.
Suzanne Judas distributed copies of the budget and went over
the expense breakout and budget recap page by page. A value
or estimated value was placed on each "in kind" contribution
in case such contribution is not made for subsequent events.
The need for a tentative budget for the '98 celebration was
stressed since it is imperative to have this to facilitate
fund raising efforts.
Following the budget presentation and discussion, the remain-
der of the meeting consisted of a brainstorming session led
by Nancy DeCandis with a critique of the past "First Night"
event and related ideas for the forthcoming one.
For the past '97 celebration, the following were mentioned:
PROGRAMMING "POSITIVES"
* Classical programs
* Bonfire
* Hayride
* Dancing
* Use of local artists
* Diversity of entertainment
* Children's activities
* Hat making
* Artwork to be kept
PROGRAMMING "NEGATIVES"
* Congestion (Childrens area) * Crowded hallways
* Need more outdoor activities * Teen events
* Food - amount & variety * Diversity
* Evaluation form system * More Theater events
* Check in (operations ctr.) * Event scheduling
* "Calico Clint" (entertainer) * Buskers
* Need more street artists * Square dancing
* Enforcement of button charge for children
For the forthcoming '98 event, the following were mentioned
and/or suggested:
PROGRAMMING
* Fireworks (depends on budget)
* Puppetry for children's activities
* "Headliner" artist (as a percent of budget)
* Opening event (use of beach)
* Bonfire (on beach w/fireworks)
* Use of Bull Park (w/tents)
* Coffee House (ABET Theater area, w/readings)
* Bluegrass music/gospel/blues/theater events
* Processional w/giant puppets
PUBLICITY
* Radio & TV coverage
* Publicity photographs of artists
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LOGISTICS & OPERATIONS
* Need for port -o -lets
* Operations Center
* Lost and Found section
* Walkie-talkies
For the benefit of those who arrived late, self -introductions
were again made.
Nancy DeCandis advised that the next regular meeting would be
held on March 19, the third Wednesday of the month, beginning
at 7:30 PM.
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:55 PM.
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Carl Walker
Staff Coordinator
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