2006 Carnival Review Meeting  (6/11/06)

The meeting started around 6:30pm at the rectory. Fr. Dave provided a "Carnival" type meal including flame grilled hot dogs and hamburgers.

The feeling of the meeting was that despite this being a very challenging year and plenty of rain, spirits were very positive. Examples of positive statements:

  • We had good communications and cooperation.
  • All areas ran smoothly indicating we may actually know what we are doing!
  • Despite the weather, we netted over $14,000 after all expenses.
  • Great fellowship between parishioners.
  • Community enjoyed the event.
  • Challenges of clearing out all events and preparing the church for a big service were met.

We identified several problem areas. The greatest concerns were over security.

Security:   Due to an up-tick in local violence, our security becomes of critical concern. Each year, we hire Upper Dublin police to patrol the grounds. There were some problems.

  • Although Thursday's cops were good, the quality of the officers provided was inconsistent. 
  • A parishioner complained that even though he pointed out a problem, the officers did not respond.
  • Police seemed more concerned with a truck stuck in the dirt, then policing the grounds.
  • Police were often not available, in one case they were found shopping the rummage sale.
  • Although requested hours were presented in writing, police were not following those hours.
  • Protocols given to us by the police did not work when it mattered. (911)

Several suggestions were made to aid in this problem, noting that most problems are near the end of the night. They were:

  • Supplement security with our own team, dressed in very visible shirts.
  • Modify the hours of the event so they are more consistent.
  • Split the night. One cop for the first 2 hours, three for the remainder of the night.
  • Install temporary lighting on Trinity Place, to light up trouble spots.

Fr Dave will speak with the police department about our concerns. The police are also responsible for approving the event permit, so we are in a bit of a "Catch 22" on this one.  

Oscars:  They did a wonderful job this year with only some minor problems. They were:

  • For the second year, one ticket booth had horrible water leakage problems.
  • The rear door lock on the same booth did not work correctly. 
  • "Gravitron" was missing, causing a host of complaints, accented by higher wrist band prices.
  • Ride placement provided a security trouble spot at the rear of the property. (this year)
  • Large division between "Kiddy" type rides and "Thrill" rides, with nothing "between"
  • Music played at rear property attractions may have accented some security issues. 

Suggestions include a request to get the ticket booth fixed, include "Gravitron" and watch layout with regards to preventing an area behind the rides for trouble makers to collect. Any effort to address the last two issues would be helpful. 

Management:  After completing twelve seasons of chairing the Carnival/Fair, Fr. Dave has asked John Dziel to retire. Twelve years is simply too long to be running an event. It is not healthy for him or the church to be trapped in such a limited cycle.  John will be available as an "Advisor" and may volunteer to help in specific areas if asked.   

(post meeting) Mike Marsceill has indicated that due to a job change, he will not be available to run Pete's Grill next year. As this is a large task, he suggested a sub-committee be formed to divide the task up. 

Roy Irvin (outside of meeting) has indicated a reluctance to continue with the level of involvement he has provided with grounds assistance, set up, and tear down.

We are still not at levels we need to be for tear down staffing. Things went well this year, but we were spread thin due to the need to have a crew clear out the parish hall.

Outside Vendors:  It was noted that the Pizza people were selling hot dogs on the side. This is not allowed, and it is recommended we not ask them back. Also, the "Sand Art" people did not follow instructions to remove their trailer the first night, and it subsequently got stuck on the lawn causing some property damage. It is recommended they not be asked to return.

The meeting ended around 9:00pm with all in good sprits. The meeting was productive.  There are clear solutions to many of our problems. Although a successor has not been chosen for John, Fr. Dave is hoping the "calling" will come to someone in the near future.