NORTH AURORA DAYS
COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, August 11, 2021
Call to Order
Mark Gaffino called the meeting to order at 6:03 pm.
Attendance
Mark Gaffino, Doug Botkin, Holly O’Brien, John Laskowski, Brian Richter, Robyn Stecklein, Bill Hannah, and Steve Bosco.
Approval of Minutes
Robyn Stecklein made a motion to approve the July 12, 2021 meeting minutes, which were seconded by Holly O’Brien.
Motion to Approve: All in Favor
Discussion
- Food Vendors
Village Administrator Steve Bosco updated the committee on food vendors. Bosco mentioned staff has reached out to numerous vendors, but most are not available due to being booked or are short workers. However two food vendors, Juquilita’s Tacos, and Ma Maw’s Kitchen, are locked in so far. North Aurora Chairman Mark Gaffino mentioned perhaps the Lions Club could sell hot dogs. Bosco mentioned staff will be reaching out in the next few weeks to a variety of vendors in the Chicagoland area to see if any are available.
- Beer Tent
North Aurora Days Committee members Holly O’Brien and Doug Botkin updated the committee regarding the beer tent. O’Brien mentioned they met with Jason of the Lions Club regarding insurance and Superior regarding beer options. After discussion, the committee selected Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Goose Island IPA, Goose 312, margarita in a can, Lime Vodka soda, Black Cherry Bud Light hard seltzer, Marlow and Charbonneau wine, and possibly a fall/Oktoberfest option for the fest. The committee also discussed pricing and recommended $5 a can for all beverages. Botkin mentioned the quantity ordered will be about 2/3rds the amount from the last North Aurora Days and the Village can return any unsold cans. The committee agreed the beer tent will be open all day with last call around 9:30pm and last beverage sold at 9:45pm. Botkin also mentioned Superior would like to be a sponsor for around $500. The committee decided Superior can be a sponsor as long as their advertising/banners are kept in the serving area by their product. Botkin said he and Holly will reach out to Superior to lock in beverages options.
- Activities
Bosco updated the committee on activities. Bosco mentioned the face painter/balloon artist will run noon to 5pm, which is about an hour longer than past North Aurora Days. Bosco also mentioned audio, stage, and bands are good to go. Bosco shared after reaching out to the coordinator there will be no pet parade this year. Bosco also shared North Aurora Days member Jessi Watkins idea of possibly adding pumpkins by the gazebo or renting pumpkin shaped bounce houses for the event to make it look and feel more fall like.
- Shuttle
Bosco mentioned staff reached out to multiple companies regarding a shuttle and First Student was only one that responded. First Student would be $510 for one continuous bus from 4pm to 11pm. Gaffino asked what it would cost to add buses between 9pm and 11pm. Gaffino also asked what the cost would be to have three pickup locations in town (Jewel Middle School, Blessed Sacrament, and Schneider Elementary). Street Superintendent Brian Richter asked if signage should be posted about no coolers for BYOB at the shuttle pickup locations to prevent people accidentally bringing prohibited drinks into the park. Public Works Director John Laskowski suggested a designated area for bus pickup/drop with signage. Bosco mentioned bus capacity for adults would be 47 passengers. Committee asked staff if a total of three buses from 4-11pm with two extra buses from 9-11pm is a possibility. Bosco mentioned will look into it and see what is available.
- Other Discussion Items
Bosco shared water barrels will be used this year for tents, which should provide some extra space in the parking lot. Richter mentioned two generators will be rented for the event along with a spider box. Light towers and parking will be the same as July 3rd fireworks. Richter asked if festival banners need to be made and how many. Bosco said around a dozen festival banners should be made and placed by welcome signs and major corridors to promote the event. The committee mentioned signage for no alcohol in the park and shuttle drop off/pick up will probably be needed as well. Robyn Stecklein asked about the location of picnic tables. Bosco mentioned picnic tables will be supplied for the seating tent across from the beer tent and may be placed in the park should space allow. Richter asked when the tents will be setup and if port-o-lets were ordered. Bosco mentioned tents will be setup the Thursday or Friday before and the port-o-lets are ordered and ready to go.
Mark Gaffino made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:00 pm, which was seconded by Bill Hannah.
Motion to Adjourn: All in Favor
Respectfully submitted,
David Hansen
