10-02-96r4
"FIRST NIGHT" STEERING COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF MEETING OF OCTOBER 2, 1996
The "First Night" Steering Committee met in the Commission
Chambers on Wednesday, October 2. Present were: Dezmond
Waters, Karen Summers, Nancy DeCandis, Rosemary Fletcher,
Pam Bushnell, Peggy Neville, Tim and Lavinia Kubiak, Thelma
Fugere, and Carl Walker, Board Coordinator. Also attending
was new member Elaine Kenny.
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM and Dezmond re-
ported that the stage/platform would not be available from
the City of Jacksonville as it was being used for Gator Bowl
activities. He suggested that tents could be used.
Nancy, reporting for Logistics, advised that all of the site
locations are confirmed with the exception of the Church;
she is waiting on a return call from them. Additionally, she
and Thelma are in the process of completing the "Special
Event" application to be turned in to Timmy Johnson, Recre-
ation Director for the City. She suggested that the fireworks
or bonfire could be held on the beach with Russell Park as an
alternate location.
Nancy also reported that she would be tabulating the needs of
the performers based on the information in the contracts.
Discussion followed on the handling and securing of vendors
for the event. It was finally agreed that this could be a
sub -committee under Logistics.
Pam spoke on the progress of Publicity/Marketing, advising
that new member Nancy Weilgus had developed a marketing plan.
Pam recommended that Nancy be named as Co -Chair of their sub-
committee and she and Nancy would divide responsibilities.
Pam outlined a tentative timetable which included buttons,
printing of programs, posters, etc. Marketing of the buttons
was discussed and it was agreed that approximately 1500 could
be made and sold at a cost of $5.00 each. It was also agreed
that 250 of the two-color posters were needed, some of which
could be used for event identification at site locations.
Pam also advised that John McManus had agreed to do the prin-
ting, charging only for the material cost. She also plans to
approach local newspapers to see if they will do an insert in
their publication at no cost. In return, they would be shown
as an contributor/sponsor.
The holding of a meeting for all volunteers was discussed and
it was agreed this should be held in early November and again
in the first part of December. Peggy Neville will work on
this undertaking.
Rosemary reported for Programming, advising that almost all
of the contracts had been signed by the performers. The ball-
room dancers are not available and she is looking for a re-
placement for them. The group working on children's activi-
ties has contacted residents of Fleet Landing for volunteers.
Rosemary is searching for someone to be a coordinator for the
teen events. Suggestions for additional outdoor events or
performers were made and Thelma volunteered to contact some
of them.
Karen advised that, so far, efforts to find a major corpo-
rate sponsor have been unsuccessful; she is going to renew
efforts to solicit support from smaller businesses. Some
possibilities were suggested and discussed.
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:05 PM.
bc)PA-qi'
Carl Walker
Staff Coordinator