Members of the Warsaw Community Development Corp. met Thursday with the goal of further increasing activity in Warsaw's downtown area.

Talk of block parties, Polynesian-themed celebrations, Shriners' parades, beer tents and statewide garage sales all were considered and reviewed as possible activities suitable for the area.

These new events hope to replace Warsaw's Downtown Days, which will not be scheduled this year due to poor attendance and other complications WCDC experienced in 2005.

"We're looking for something different," WCDC director Carmen Lock said. "Something to get people back downtown to enjoy themselves."

Downtown merchants hope to host various events that coordinate with Warsaw Parks Department concerts, such as the June 16 Classic Rock Concert and July 14 Blues and BBQ, both to be held in Central Park.

A possible July 15 festival was considered, with talk of closing down parts of Center Street, having a band and providing a beer tent for attendants. Stores would be open late, and various activities could take part throughout the day.

Though Mayor Ernie Wiggins said he supported any event that could spark activity downtown, he questioned whether a beer tent could be accomplished.

"I know Winona (Lake) has blazed a trail with their beer tent, but that's a matter that hasn't been approved in many years," Wiggins said. "It would have to come before the Board of Works before, and I'd hope our board and council members would voice their opinion on the matter."

In recent years, a beer tent has been provided by Mad Anthony's for the Fat and Skinny Tire Festival, which takes place throughout Winona Lake.

Lock said all new proposed events would be addressed at the Board of Public Works and Safety before the WCDC officially announces the festivals to the public.

Standard annual events such as the Halloween Spooktakular and Hometown Holidays Christmas celebration also will be scheduled. [[In-content Ad]]