Rock Island Today

City of Rock Island Labor Day Parade Advisory Board met Aug. 7.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Board Members present: David Diaz, Kathy Garrison, Vicki Hess, Art Milton, Grace Shirk, Bill Sowards, Edna Sowards, KJ Whitley, and Mary Chappell

Board Members absent:

City Staff present: Dan Gleason, Nathan Berthoud, and Sarah Hayden

The eighth meeting to plan the 39th annual Rock Island Labor Day parade was called to order at 12:01 p.m. The meeting was held in the conference room at the South Rock Island Township Office Building.

I. Introductions

2. Additions to the Agenda

There were no additions to the agenda.

3. Approval of the July 24, 2023, Minutes

A motion was made by B. Sowards and seconded by K. Whitley to approve the minutes as presented. Motion passed.

4. Treasurer’s Report

D. Gleason reported that $280.00 in fees have been received to date. Under expenses he reported $351.00 have been spent to cover the cost of the various mailings.

5. Review of the 2023 Parade Planning

Members reviewed the list of 38 entries received to date. The promotional schedule was discussed. D. Gleason will send the deadline date postcard to S. Hayden to place on social media. The remaining promotions incudes press releases and the final mailing to parade participants. Under musical entries, M. Chappell reported that sponsorship requests for the marching bands have been sent to the annual supporters. She presented a new flatbed band for consideration. Audelia G and DJ Guerrero will offer a Selena-like tribute performance. They are asking for $400.00. Members agreed to add this group to the list of now 6 flatbed bands.

M. Chappell discussed the units involved with this year’s parade dedication. Typically, the parade dedication or unit is identified by a banner at the front of the parade. In the past, some family members and friends have driven in a vehicle after the banner. This year will be different as there are three separate groups or organizations/entries that will be honored. She expressed concern regarding having enough room in the area at the beginning of the parade to stage all the vehicles. As an idea, she wondered if we should place the dedication section behind the dignitaries and before the politicians. Or the Hero’s section could be moved up to feature the first responder units. The 2022 line-up was referenced. A. Milton mentioned the importance of not placing too many units in the space between the dignitaries and the school children.

M. Chappell took a moment to describe what the beginning of the parade might look like. Although a few pageantry-like entries including horses have been placed before the color guard units in several past parades, board members expressed their preference to place the color guard units as the first units in the parade following the police squad guard. There was general discussion regarding the staging of the parade.

M. Chappel reminded board members that as part of organizing the annual parade, everyone is always welcome to participate in the parade staging or line-up session, scheduled on Saturday August 26, 9:30 am, at Art’s home. E. Sowards will check with the Youth Services Bureau regarding an extra clean-up crew to follow the horses. The topic of parade dedication and any changes to the hero’s section will be discussed at a future meeting.

S. Hayden briefly discussed the upcoming Friday, August 11 meeting to select the Citizen of the Year category winners and Grand Marshal. A. Milton reported on the challenges of connecting with the principal at Washington Junior High school.

A. Milton took a moment to review the list of volunteers and asked members to contact him directly with confirmation of their participation and where they will be working. He has reached out to The House Church to secure volunteers. K. Whitley stated that the shirt order will be placed soon and to notify her of any changes.

6. #40 Parade Ideas

Board members briefly discussed next year’s 40th annual event.

7. Misc. Items of Concern

G. Shirk asked that the topic of the Parade Awards be added to the next agenda.

8. Public Comments

No one from the public was present at the meeting.

9. Adjournment

With nothing further to discuss, a motion was made by D. Gleason and seconded by A. Milton to adjourn. Motions passed with no objections. The meeting ended at 1:08 p.m.

https://www.rigov.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08072023-1215