Task force narrows Spring Fling and Easter plans: April 4 date, sponsors, volunteer targets and crowd controls discussed

Members of the Economic and Economic Activities Task Force spent substantial time on logistics for spring and Easter events, confirming the Spring Fling date and discussing vendor, volunteer and crowd-control plans.

The committee confirmed the Spring Fling for Saturday, April 4 and discussed start-time changes made in prior years to attract attendees. Members reported two current sponsorship commitments at $1,000 each and noted additional verbal commitments that had not yet been formalized. "We have 2 sponsorships... 1,000 each," a committee speaker reported.

Discussion focused on volunteer staffing and crowd control: the group said it will aim for roughly 70 volunteers and maintain contingency planning to reach 150 if needed. Members debated whether to sell timed tickets or use wristbands and staggered start times for different age groups to prevent parents from rushing children. The committee reviewed past problems (mismatched tickets, crowding at activity zones) and weighed options such as wristbands, timed waves, additional barricades and more volunteers in egg-hunt areas.

Members also reviewed activity vendors including petting zoos and pony rides, discussed vendor throughput and weight limits, and raised safety issues with using a helicopter for an egg drop (members described operational limits and emphasized training and crowd barriers). The task force agreed to refine vendor contracts, confirm sponsorships, plan volunteer recruitment and update promotional materials with correct times.

Next steps: staff and volunteers will finalize sponsorship paperwork, produce updated flyers with the confirmed April 4 date and continue planning on crowd-control measures and volunteer recruitment ahead of the event.