4c 4th of July Celebration EvalCITY OF
CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA 55317
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Todd Hoffman, Park and Recreation Director
FROM: Jerry. Ruegemer, Recreation Supervisor
DATE: July 23, 1997
SUB J: 1997 4th of July
JULY 3a~
Kiddie Parade
Even with the rainy evening, the Kiddie Parade still had close to 550 participants.
Participants were rewarded with a popsicle at the end of the parade.
Funneling the people up and around the new road to the north of City Hall helped the
flow of the parade. Participants had more stacking area in the closed east parking lot
instead of on Chan View. Elizabeth Weber and the playground staff coordinated the
details of the Kiddie Parade. Their assistance helped me very much and they did a great
job.
The parade participation was down this year because of the rainy weather. I'm not
pushing the panic button and with warm weather next year our numbers will increase.
In-line Skating Demonstration
John Glynn Skating Schools performed the demonstration on the new west parking lot.
The rain put a damper on the demonstration. John is extremely nice and easy to work
with. I would like to book him again next year.
Trade Fair
The Chanhassen Chamber Trade Fair was down in numbers this year. This was a surprise
after the good turnout last year. Members of the Chamber expressed concern regarding
the night of the event. They felt businesses weren't registering because they were headed
out of town for a long weekend. This argument has been raised for many years and I'm
not sure it's solely to blame. I'm sure next year it will bounce back.
Senior Center Open House
Everything was good. The seniors also did a bake and craft sale. The seniors would do
the bake sale again, but not the craft sale.
Face Painting
To address last year's large crowds, two more face painters were added for a total of four.
The rainy evening slowed people from attending, however the City retained 20% of the
sales which totaled $87.20. I will book four again next year.
Carnival Games
The City was able to obtain 3 new games from School District 112 for this year's
celebration. The new games were fun and I will ask to use them again. To assist with
congestion at each game and to monitor the money made from the games, a ticket booth
may be added requiring all games to purchase tickets to play.
The Medicine Show
They are a fun show who entertained the crowd. They were easy to work with and I
would ask them again.
Water Wars
Water Wars was rained out for Thursday's activities° They set up at Lake Ann on Friday
and with the weather clearing up they had a good day. They enjoy coming to Chanhassen
and I would ask them back again.
Speedway Racing
The rain hampered the attendance. The racing, in my opinion would be popular and I
would ask them back again next year.
Chanhassen Lions Pull Tabs
The Lions pull tabs weren't as popular as they thought. Did the rainy night hamper
potential buyers? The Lions were disappointed with the low sales but not surprised since
this was the first time pull tabs were sold at a city run special event. If the Lions would
like to try again, I will process approval through the City Council.
Tae Kwon Do Demonstration
Jeff Engel, the instructor at the Recreation Center, coordinated the demonstrations again
this year. Jeff and his group did a fine job and hopefully the city can pick up a few
registrations for classes at the Recreation Center.
Horse Rides
The horse rides are always popular but with most activities the rain hampered them. The
Eden Prairie Horseman's Saddle Club provided the rides again this year and will be asked
again.
Street Dance
The Fabulous Hi-Tops were forced to play inside the tent this year because of the rain. It
was definitely more appealing having an outdoor performance. The Hi-Tops are always
fun and they enjoy performing in Chanhassen. If the Park and Recreation Commission
would like to secure the Hi-Tops again for 1998, I will book them immediately.
JULY 4TM
Adult Fishing
A total of 27 anglers participated this year. The tournament seems to be approximately
the same number every year. If the tournament has low numbers again next year, the City
will seriously consider canceling this event. Everyone who fished appeared to have a
good time.
Kid's Fishing
A total of 125 kids participated. Kids fished from the fishing pier, boat access and the
rental dock. Everything ran smoothly. To distribute the prizes quicker, grab bags will be
assembled ahead of time and given to every participant eliminating calling names for
prizes. This will expedite the process.
Sand Sculpture
We had many good entries. The sculptures were very detailed and people worked hard.
This is a very easy activity to offer and will continue.
Hula Hoop and Limbo Contest
People enjoyed both contests. The playground staff did a great job in coordinating,
staffing and assembling the prizes. These activities will continue.
Inner Tube Relays
The relays weren't as popular as they have been in the past. Maybe the activity was too
late in the day. Playground staff coordinated this activity and did a good job. I may look
to another activity to replace the relays.
Fireworks
This year fireworks were contracted through RES Pyrotechnic. The show, in my opinion,
lacked substance and impact. I was quite nervous during the course of the show because
some of the motors exploded not long after clearing the tree tops. To say the least, I
wasn't extremely happy with the show. I will look for new fireworks vendors next year.
I will also shorten the show to 15-20 minutes to retain the crowd's attention.
Suggestions for 1998
· Add a sand volleyball tournament at Lake Ann.
· Select and secure food vendors shortly after the first of the year.
· Incorporate more people to assist with the celebration.
· Start 4th of July committee meetings by December 1997.
· Add treasure hunt to activities on July 4
· Look for new and exciting activities.
· Looked to add a carnival with rides on July 3 and 4 in downtown for street dance
evening and the day of the parade.
g:\park\4%97evaluation
1997 4TM OF JULY
REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE REPORT
REVENUE
Prize Board/Kids Games
Food Vendors
*Water Wars
Maund Entertainment
*Beverly Strand Promotions
Speedway Racing
$690.84
$58O.OO
$100.00
$87.5O
$5O.OO
$42.00
*Have not received yet
Estimated $1,550.04
EXPENDITURES
Sally Distributing
Festival Foods
Andon
Target
Merlin's Hardware
Taco Bell
Real Gem Jewelry & Awards
Paper Warehouse
*Cabin Fever Sports
$282.53
$187.97
$181.45
$156.22
$39.39
$30.00
$28.76
$17.57
*Have not received invoice yet
Total $923.79
101-145-4300
RES Specialty Pyrotechnics
YOG Design
The Fabulous Hi-Tops
Kind Design
The Medicine Show
John Glynn Skating School
$14,500.00
$2,O26.89
$1,500.00
$1,239.09
$6OO.00
$500.00
Total $20,365.98
101-145-4340
Nystrom Publishing
Southwest Suburban Publishing
Victoria Gazette
$1,137.42
$1,100.00
$75.00
Total $2,312.42
101-145-4400
*Biffs, Inc.
*Have not received invoice yet
101-145-4410
Skyway Tent Rental
Go Power
Total Revenues
Total Expenditures
BALANCE
Estimated
Total
$1,500.00
$1,500.00
$2,850.42
$55O.OO
$3,400.42
$1,550.04
$28,502.61
$26,952.57