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City Council Minutes Page 4 <br />August 2, 2021 <br />----------------------------- <br />the event. The Council also discussed whether to hold the daytime and evening <br />events on the same day. <br />Ms. Wingard indicated some other ideas for Orono Park include more of a weekend <br />event including things like a kick ball tournament, water ski show, or skateboard <br />event. She indicated she understand shifting locations can be negative but would like <br />to see the event grow which may be difficult in downtown. <br />Councilmember Christianson expressed concern over introducing too much change <br />at once which may deter people from coming. He suggested exploring the possibility <br />of separating the events first to see what happens. <br />Mayor Dietz questioned what other events would be held downtown at night under <br />this proposal. Ms. Wingard explained one suggestion was to close Main Street <br />blocking it off for liquor and food and have a battle of the bands type event rather <br />than a concert. She indicated she would discuss further with Liquor Operations <br />Manager Joe Audette. She noted it should result in a cost savings for less of a road <br />closure and for the band. <br />Councilmember Wagner indicated based on feedback received from downtown <br />businesses, they appreciate the traffic the event brings downtown, and some may be <br />unhappy to see the event changed. Ms. Wingard explained staff can find alternate <br />opportunities for downtown businesses that are involved in Elk RiverFest to be <br />involved. She added there are some fun events in the works. <br />Concerns were raised over transportation issues with having the large event at <br />Orono during the day. Mayor Dietz stated he believes the daytime traffic at Orono <br />Park would be manageable, but he is not interested in moving the fireworks. <br />Ms. Wingard asked for Council thoughts on moving the Riverside Market normally <br />held during Elk RiverFest to either Orono Park or the Furniture and Things <br />Community Event Center. She indicated moving the event to the Furniture and <br />Things Event Center would remove the market from Elk RiverFest and vendors <br />would be encouraged to sign up for either the Spring or Fall shows at the Furniture <br />and Things Event Center. <br />Council liked the idea of having the Riverside Market at the Furniture and Things <br />Community Event Center on a different day than Elk RiverFest. <br />Council consensus was to change the date of Elk RiverFest to the last Saturday in <br />June and to have fireworks on July 4. <br />II. Adjournment <br />There being no further business, Mayor Dietz adjourned the meeting of the Elk <br />River City Council at 7:41 p.m. <br />P 0 w E R! 0 0 1 <br />NATUREI <br />