Lagro IN.
The Lagro Tourism Committee met on September 29 at the Community Building in Lagro. The minutes of the last meeting were approved and seconded.Committee Reports:
1. Log Cabins/Locks - Lighting and Decorating of Area
The Studio's report they have their committee which includes Lynn and Chuck Shafer, John and Val Lawson, Justin Gillespie and Julie and Mike White.
Three volunteers showed up at the log cabin to see what needs to be done to secure the cabin for the public. A 25 foot beam is to be put under the floor to make it safe for people to walk through the cabin at one end.
The outdoor decorating of the cabin will include the section of fence and shrub trees on either side of the cabin.
Vendors need to be contacted about displaying/selling at the cabin. It was discussed about putting a large tent on the lawn behind the log cabin so that vendors would be shielded from the cold or other inclement weather on December 5, 2009.
2. Carriage Rides - Justin Gillespie
Justin reports that carriage rides will begin and end at the Community Building. He is working on securing a person to offer the rides and also on any insurance issues.
Justin is contacting people who own the empty buildings in downtown Lagro to see if the windows can be painted with Christmas scenes to enrich the looks of the downtown area for the holiday season.
Lagro Cafe - Mary Ross
Mary spoke with Lynn Dannacher (County Health Officer) and found out that all vendors displaying at the log cabin must be inspected before selling that day. For in-town vendors who wish to sell at the log cabin, Mary has offered the use of the state-approved cafe kitchen for group cooking.
Mary is till working on a "specialty food" for the celebration.
St. Patrick's Church - Janet Poole
Pegg Coppler, who serves as Music Director at St. Patrick's, wants to research Christmas music of the 1870's era and use it during the St. Patrick Caroling portion of the festivities. Peggy also suggested having the Nativity at the front of the church and having people process from the United Methodist Church in a candlelight procession to St. Patrick's for the carols. This would become the final event of the December 5 celebration.
Live Nativity- Becki Wagoner
Work in progress; no report.
Lagro United Methodist Church - Monica Sparling
Monica reports the church will be open with cookies and coffee being served. The Sharp Creek Singers will perform at 4, 4:30, 6 and 6:30 and the Kids Klub will be Singing Angels at 5 p.m.
Commemorative Christmas Decorations - Kathy Bradley
Kathy brought in prototypes of coasters with historic pictures that she has made. They are in a group of 4 and depict a different scene/building of Lagro. They are very attractive and the group agreed they would sell quite easily. The coasters could be displayed on an easel or used for drinks. She also brought Christmas books with Victorian era decorations and pomanders, but the group agreed that the coasters would be enough of a project for this year. Once the name of the celebration is chosen, the name and date of the celebration will be displayed at the top of each coaster, thus making them "Collectibles".
501-(C)(3) Information - Chris Lehman
Chris reports that in order to obtain a 501-C3 status, the group needs a tax ID number, an organizing document and money for filing. The group discussed the possibility of remaining part of the Town of Lagro (Maxine had originally questioned why we couldn't be part of the Parks Department) and using 501-C3 status through the town. It was reported that Maxine had been working on obtaining this status and possibly this will enable her to follow-up and obtain.
Carolyn Hegel is going to contact Joe Eddingfield and her personal attorney and ask them more about the viability of becoming a 501-C3. At the moment any donations or money that is made from the 12/5 celebration will be given to Maxine. There was mention made that maybe a separate checking account could be set up.
Vendors - Carolyn Hegel
Carolyn brought a number of vendor business cards from the Huntington Pioneer Festival. she had names of people who produce rock candy on a stick, Blue Lion coffee, maple syrup, baskets, candlestick making, hats, jackets, stained glass and jewelry. She reported that she saw many "pioneer people" cooking over open pots. She said that almost without exception, the vendors asked if they would be "indoors" due to the time of year of the celebration. That is when the group discussed the idea of a large tent on the lawn behind the cabin.
It was also suggested that all local vendors need to be made aware that they can display at the festival before we seek outside vendors. It was discussed that a newspaper announcement of this group needs to be put in local newspapers so that the public is aware that we even exist. In doing so, the list of committee chairs, telephone numbers and who to call if people want to display their wares would be part of the article. Becki Wagoner is to follow-up on this.
Lagro Calendar - Becki Wagoner
Becki has been unable to get hold of Kathy Stephan in regard to the calendar for 2010. Due to time restrictions, Becki asked the group if it would be okay to use old pictures for this year, and then to contact Kathy Stephan and work with her for a calendar with pictures (beginning with this Saturday's Annie Oakley/Doc Holliday appearance at the cabin) throughout the coming year of how Lagro is progressing, plus adding dates for birthdays and anniversaries. The group agreed this would be the best idea for expediency.
Additional Events
Gingerbread/cookie decorating contest - shelved for 2009
Community Christmas Decorating Contest - Will ask Maxine to put this event on the November water bills. Winners announced at the caroling event at St. Patrick's.
Name of Event
Christmas on the River, Christmas in a Canal Town, Christmas at Kerr Lock, Lagro Alive were all possible event names. Since no one was completely taken with any of the suggested ideas, one more week has been given to naming the event.
Interurban for Sale - Becki Wagoner
Becki was contacted by a Lagro resident about the Depot with the asking price of $14,000. We thanked the caller for his time but deferred at the moment.
Community Meeting
The Tourism Board feels very strongly that in order for our committee to succeed and make a difference to Lagro, the entire community needs to become involved. To this end, a Community Meeting will be held on October 13 at 6:30 pm with the preliminary site to be Lagro United Methodist.
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