Amy Achs, AP Erie Correspondent
Revitalize Erie held its All-Committee Meeting January 23rd focusing on Street Fest, Summer Movie in the Park nights, Musical Bingo, fundraisers, and identifying other possible projects for 2023.
STREET FEST is set for August 12, 2023 so mark your calendars! If you enjoyed last summer’s Sesquicentennial events, you’ll love what is being planned – on a slightly smaller scale – for this summer’s Street Fest. So far $1,950 has been raised to help pay for the events. Planning is in full force with all-day Live Music, the Artisan and Farmer’s Market, antique tractors and cars, and food truck vendors, which have already started booking with many of them are returning from last summer’s event.
Fun events for the kids include the traditional Little Miss & Mister contest, Box Car contest, Petting Zoo, Bouncy Houses and Games, and possibly more fun surprises like hayrack rides. Because the Erie History Museum was such a success last summer, there are plans for a smaller exhibit being set up in the library.
To cap off the day, live music will continue into the evening with local restaurants and bars serving in the Triangle. If you are a vendor and interested in the Artisan and Farmer’s Market, spaces are $15. Sign up HERE. For more information on the band line up and any added new events, keep an eye out for the Revitalize Erie Facebook updates.
MOVIE IN THE PARK will be back this summer with two dates planned: June 10th sponsored by Gold Star FS and July 8th sponsored by Erie Foods International.
No movies have been chosen yet because Revitalize Erie will be seeking input from the community. The group plans to launch a Facebook poll in the weeks to come so that everyone has a chance to vote.
MUSICAL BINGO will be hosted at the Lake Erie Country Club on St. Patrick’s Day – Friday, March 17th at 6:30pm. Due to limited space, preregistration is highly encouraged as spots are already filling up fast. Cost is $10 per person which can be dropped off at Village Hall or reserve online HERE. The event will feature great prizes, a few raffle baskets, a best dressed contest, an Irish Jig contest, and themed drinks. There will be concession food for sale (hot pretzels and nachos) and groups are encouraged to bring their own food as well. All beverages must be purchased from the bar. All funds raised will go towards the Gator Fundraiser.
Strategic Vision for future projects:
- Middle School High School community service days – Baseball fields, park, golf course, Trash pick-up; House raking/mulch.
- Beautification Committee – Light pole banners, building facades, mural
- Events committee – Dodgeball/kickball/wiffle ball tournament, Raffle baskets at movie night
- Economic Development Committee – Walking path, Pickleball courts
- Projects to ask the Village Board to help with: Trash cans in the downtown
Fundraising ideas:
Continue to collect cans in the spring and summer (April – Aug)
Raffle off ticket to concerts, sports games, etc. The nonprofit is seeking donations of tickets the group can raffle off.
Parent’s Night out, Father and Daughter Dates
Bags Tournament
Gator Fundraiser – A gator is needed to water the flowers all spring and summer. So far $3,235.00 has been fundraised but $14,018 is needed. Planter sponsors were asked for additional donations toward the gators with $75 raised that way currently. Possible fundraisers could be to auction tickets for an event. It was suggested that a sign or banner with fundraiser mileposts be put up in the triangle and include more posts on Facebook as updates.
Revitalize Erie is always in need of new volunteers and people to help plan projects. Reach out to them via email – revitalizeerie@gmail.com if you would like to get involved but can’t make it to a meeting.
Upcoming Meetings:
Beautification: Second Monday of every month – February 13th – 7pm
Event Planning: Fourth Monday of every month – February 27th – 6pm
