It has come to a critical point where a decision to go forth with the annual Cuba City Community Fair, Picnic and Truck and Tractor Pull is at hand.
As previously reported, the group who has organized the past several years is stepping down. This fairly small group of individuals has dedicated many hours to make sure that each and every year's event was a huge success. After many years and countless hours spent, this great group of individuals has decided it is time for them to step down and turn the reins over to a younger and more energetic group.
Since August, the Cuba City Chamber of Commerce has been meeting and trying to create a plan to keep this tradition alive and continuing for years to come. The response for wanting this event to continue has been great, but the amount of commitment to help plan, organize and assist with running the event has been essentially non-existent. One of the main components needed to make this event successful is committed manpower. Without people to assist in the planning, set up and operation of the activities, and the clean up afterwards, these activities just can not continue to happen.
According to Chamber spokesperson, Randy Brookens, many people do not understand the amount of manpower hours that are required to make this event a success. "For many of these activities, planning and scheduling begins in January and continues right up to the time of the event," Brookens said. "There are countless hours spent planning for the parade in advance, organizing it the day of the event, (starting at 5 a.m.) and then the cleanup afterwards. What many people seem to forget is these events don't just happen on their own."
A main factor contributing to the present situation is the cost to put on the annual event. In 2010, the cost just for the inflatables, fireworks and truck and tractor pull amounted to just over $19,000. "This money needs to be raised from various methods," said Brookens. "It can't all come out of individual business owners' pockets. For this reason, we are asking for the various organizations that sell products at the event, to help cover these cost by donating a portion of their profits back to the cause."
Due to the current lack of manpower and funding that has been committed up to this point in time, the chamber is currently looking at not having any activities in the park for the children or any parade and fireworks. Brookens said if concerned citizens would like to do their part in making this event a reality, and would be willing to volunteer to assist with any set up, tear down or any other activity they should attend the meeting on Tuesday Jan. 3, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. at the Cuba City City Hall to determine if this event will be able to continue into the future.
"This is a community event and we encourage all local organizations to participate by coming out and assisting with the planning and operation," said Brookens. We have invited all local organizations, from past participants to new organizations, to come to the meetings and discuss their ideas and thoughts."