WCDC Discusses Potential Summer Events

July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.

By Joe Kirkendall, Times-Union staff writer-

Though members announced no concrete plans for the summer, Warsaw Community Development Corp.'s board of directors discussed possibilities for a handful of projected events throughout the next several months.

Following what was called a "successful weekend" in Warsaw's downtown, members said they hoped to continue to attract people to the area through various concerts and festivals.

On Friday, the rock concert featuring The Buckinghams and The Turtles in Central Park drew an estimated 7,000 attendants, many of which visited Warsaw's downtown before and/or after the musical performances. Saturday's open house on Center and Buffalo streets also drew a large number of people, members said, and helped create a unique atmosphere.

WCDC President Clint Pletcher advised the event should be scheduled again, possibly for as soon as during the Christmas season.

In previous meetings, the board envisioned a July festival featuring live music, outside food and beverage vendors and a Polynesian theme. But after discussing the idea with numerous downtown merchants, the date has been pushed back to September.

The additional time will help members solidify plans for the festival, which is now scheduled as a one-day event.

"Everything is still in the planning process," WCDC director Carmen Lock said. "We'll be talking to (surrounding merchants) to see what all can be done."

The possibilities of a tent shared by local bar owners was still in the works, though members only referred to it as an enclosed "food and beverage" area.

In other matters, member Kevin Zachary reported the Biblical Gardens were currently open and accepting tours throughout the summer. Since the beginning of the season, he said the gardens have drawn a good amount of out-of-town visitors to the area this year.

He planned to begin reconstructing new light fixtures in the gardens, and also said he was pleased by the new police patrols in Central Park, which have decreased nighttime vandalism in and around the site.

"Speaking on behalf of the board, we fully support the efforts of the police department and what they're trying to do," Pletcher said of the new security measures. "It was quite needed in the area."

Without a quorum of members present for Tuesday's meeting, no official decisions could be made, though no voting matters were scheduled besides the approval of a previous meeting's minutes.

WCDC's next meeting is July 18 at their Center Street office. [[In-content Ad]]

Though members announced no concrete plans for the summer, Warsaw Community Development Corp.'s board of directors discussed possibilities for a handful of projected events throughout the next several months.

Following what was called a "successful weekend" in Warsaw's downtown, members said they hoped to continue to attract people to the area through various concerts and festivals.

On Friday, the rock concert featuring The Buckinghams and The Turtles in Central Park drew an estimated 7,000 attendants, many of which visited Warsaw's downtown before and/or after the musical performances. Saturday's open house on Center and Buffalo streets also drew a large number of people, members said, and helped create a unique atmosphere.

WCDC President Clint Pletcher advised the event should be scheduled again, possibly for as soon as during the Christmas season.

In previous meetings, the board envisioned a July festival featuring live music, outside food and beverage vendors and a Polynesian theme. But after discussing the idea with numerous downtown merchants, the date has been pushed back to September.

The additional time will help members solidify plans for the festival, which is now scheduled as a one-day event.

"Everything is still in the planning process," WCDC director Carmen Lock said. "We'll be talking to (surrounding merchants) to see what all can be done."

The possibilities of a tent shared by local bar owners was still in the works, though members only referred to it as an enclosed "food and beverage" area.

In other matters, member Kevin Zachary reported the Biblical Gardens were currently open and accepting tours throughout the summer. Since the beginning of the season, he said the gardens have drawn a good amount of out-of-town visitors to the area this year.

He planned to begin reconstructing new light fixtures in the gardens, and also said he was pleased by the new police patrols in Central Park, which have decreased nighttime vandalism in and around the site.

"Speaking on behalf of the board, we fully support the efforts of the police department and what they're trying to do," Pletcher said of the new security measures. "It was quite needed in the area."

Without a quorum of members present for Tuesday's meeting, no official decisions could be made, though no voting matters were scheduled besides the approval of a previous meeting's minutes.

WCDC's next meeting is July 18 at their Center Street office. [[In-content Ad]]

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