Minutes from the North Aurora Days Committee Meeting
August 29th, 2013
Meeting called to order by Mark Gaffino at 7:03pm.
This meeting is a wrap up meeting from North Aurora Days 2013.
Car Show – Mary Ann reported that there were 102 cars at the event this year, up from 75 cars last year. Mary Ann raised $1,971 in sponsorship money and the event had $1,147 in expenses resulting in an $824 profit which was donated between three organizations – Emily’s Hope, Cure It and Fox Valley Animal. Bill Hannah will take care of disbursing these funds
French Market – Sharon reported that there were 42 vendors present. Signage was an issue this year and she requested more advertising for next year’s event. The road construction along Rt. 31 and Mooseheart Road was also an obstacle. The fieldhouse venue was an improvement over the park, however, it was a little too big for the event.
Safe Kids – Robyn reported that 540 kids attended the event. This year, 31 car seats were checked.
Police Department – the Police Department reported that there were no major problems during the weekend event.
Sponsorships – Bill Hannah reported that total sponsorship money collected was $20,600. We had $9,500 in In Kind sponsors this year and we raised $1,300 from Booth Sponsors. Overall we had more sponsors this year, but had lower contributions.
Website – Chris Faber reported that the website crashed Saturday night from all the volume of activity. Everything is all set up now, no need to rebuild and we are ready to go for next year. As for Marketing, Facebook is still a great tool to get the word out.
Anyone with pictures from this year’s event, please forward to Chris so he can add to the website.
Chris also reported on the Run – it was a good event, had a total of 350 runners. Definitely need more advertising for next year.
Publicity – Doug reported that the advertising went well this year. We had articles in the Kane County Chronicle and the Daily Herald preceding the event.
For Lions Club Hearing Bus – Doug reported that they had 20 people attend the bus. The bus was located at the library on Saturday morning.
Rides/Entertainment – Jim reported that the rides turned out good. The Game Truck was a big hit and was packed all night long. Jim agreed to handle the games for next year.
Stage – the sound was aweful. Will address for next year.
Shirts, banners, etc – all worked out well.
Program – same cost as last year; for next year will print half as many. Push utilizing the website for information.
Baggo Tournament – Jaime reported that Baggo was again a success. There were 7 paid sponsors, down from 8 last year. There were 29 teams, down 3 from last year. The event made between $600 – $700, which will be donated to Hailey’s Playground this year. Jaime suggested a little more advertising for next year.
Softball – Bob reported that the event went smoothly. Website worked well for signup.
Beer Tent – Bob reported that the beer tent went well. Friday was a little bit slow but all in all a success. Raised about the same amount as last year.
Fishing Derby – Kevin reported that event went well. The Country Companies – moving into North Aurora – donated several gift certificates that we used as door prizes. My Tackle Box donated all the bait. There were 37 kids in attendance and they caught 389 fish in total.
A motion was made to approve the meeting minutes from the last three meetings by Mark; seconded by Mary Ann.
Mark thanked everyone for their hard work to make this event a success. Some items to consider for the 2014 event:
• Add a day to the event?
• Lions Club host Bingo in beer tent on Saturday Morning?
• Solicit more food vendors?
• Add a bike race?
• Research sound people/speakers
• Add Ice Machine in beer tent
Meeting adjorned at 8:30pm
Respectfully submitted,
Anise Hesson
Secretary
