From Staff Reports
Wappapello Lake Area Association (WLAA) is making a list and checking it twice as preparations get underway for the 25th anniversary for the Festival of Lights nightly Dec. 15-30 at Wappapello Lake. The volunteers hope to fill all three loops of campground this year.
Mingo Job Corps is willing for students to help with projects. The students will be available Nov. 7 and Nov. 17 to assist with Festival of Lights. They will provide three to five people per day. Jennifer Morse stated more students will be needed Nov. 17. The group learned Mingo is downsizing to 144 students.
Some items already have been sent to Mingo for painting and Morse worked on Christmas items. Oct. 20-22, the Corps will not be able to help because of the Mobility Impaired Deer Hunt.
Mingo will be asked to help decorate on Nov. 7 and Nov. 9 and WLAA will feed them.
CeCe Totten and Trevor Totten will meet with Gloria Triplett Friday to assist in checking lights and cleaning out boxes. Corps of Engineers will furnish four light checking guns and extra bulbs. Mingo will provide four students Friday and Corps of Engineers will pick them up if necessary.
Trevor Totten was to bring up Christmas Banners to the board meeting in Puxico.
Andrew Jefferson, Tim Schultz and Cindy Crabb compose the committee to invite new people to participate in the event.
Jefferson turned in a $100 check from John Berger for coins and also $10 cash from Linda Gleason, who sold one at the Old Greenville Days and returned nine.
Trevor Totten stated he will retrieve the travelling trophy from last year's winner. The prize money will stay the same first place-$100; second place $50, and third place $25. New voter cards for judging the displays will be made.
Morse stated a building is needed for Santa in Redman Creek West Campground so pictures may be taken. This would alleviate traffic congestion on T Highway by utilizing the west side campground. The group realized it needs to establish schedule when Santa will be at the event so it can be posted.
Someone suggested WLAA get a couple of reflective safety banner/sign made by 4M Signs with instructions for having lights on while viewing the event. It should also say "Thank You for Coming and Donations Accepted".
Mingo Job Corps is working on the donation box, which will remain white.
COE volunteers are Don Cecil, Gary Nixon, Leon Fox and a new volunteer. Corps will meet with them at 10 a.m. Oct. 18. They will be responsible for installing the lights, turning them on and off, and minor maintenance of displays. They will also serve as security.
John Totten stated last year the golf cart near the fee booth blocked the flood light and needs to be relocated. Trevor Totten asked about using a golf cart to secure area if back loop if utilized.
WLAA will be the one to call off the event in case of inclement weather.
WLAA and Mingo Job Corps expressed interest in participating in the 15th Annual Santa Land Event Tuesday, Dec. 5 at the Black River Coliseum. Booth spaces are free. Jefferson will mention this to the committee.
Jon Hayes presided at the meeting since Crabb was not be able to attend.