Cromwell committee finalizes festival logistics, confirms 41 vendors and ramps up volunteer recruitment

CROMWELL, Conn. — The Town of Cromwell Community Events Committee on July 16 advanced preparations for the town’s fall festival, confirming vendor logistics, a small projected surplus and plans to intensify volunteer recruiting ahead of August planning meetings.

Chair Steve Wygonowski said he met with the mayor and town manager earlier that day and described three priorities for the committee: finalizing the site plan, recruiting volunteers and securing support from town departments. He noted an interdepartmental coordination meeting — including a fire district leader — is set for Aug. 12 at 1:30 p.m. in Town Council Chambers.

The committee reviewed a financial snapshot showing the festival in good condition. "There is currently a slight surplus, under $1,000, projected for the festival," Wygonowski said, while cautioned that several expense decisions remain pending.

Committee members reported progress across subcommittees. Karen Ambler said the stage events and Kids Zone 'run of show' is nearly finalized. Matt Blanchette told the group vendor planning is almost complete and confirmed the vendor count, including food trucks, at 41.

Publicity work is underway with a town-approved vendor to produce lawn signs and volunteer T-shirts; the committee approved final banner copy and plans to hang a banner above Main Street near Doering Lane. The committee also urged more urgency to expand publicity efforts as the event approaches.

Operational logistics remain in progress. The administration subcommittee scheduled a meeting July 17 with a radio supplier and reported electrician requirements are final, pending pricing. Sponsorships are largely settled except for one gold sponsor that has not yet delivered payment to the treasurer.

On programming, the committee confirmed activities for Thursday, Sept. 24, the festival’s first day: "The Carnival will run 6-10PM," the minutes state. The evening will also feature Bingo in the Park, ice cream and possibly additional food options. The committee said it will continue to consider adding further Thursday activities.

Volunteer recruitment was a central focus. Wygonowski said a Volunteer Plan and a Volunteer Recruiting Strategy exist as first drafts and will be updated over the next 30–45 days. The committee agreed recruiting must be ramped up over the summer and requested members continue searching for a volunteer lead or co-leads; the effort is tied closely to publicity efforts.

The committee discussed site plans for Pierson Park and directed subcommittee leads Matt Blanchette and Karen Ambler to develop placement and logistics proposals for August review. Members were asked to review the Operating Plan and Volunteer Plan documents that will guide operational responsibilities and volunteer assignments.

The committee set its next meeting for Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026. Rosanna Glynn moved to adjourn at 7:45 p.m.; Karen Ambler seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

The minutes were signed and respectfully submitted by Chair Steve Wygonowski.