The Rock Port Tourism Board met July 11, 2024. Board members present were: Jody VanSickle, Ashtyn Beatty, Karen Brown, Jim Clodfelter, Elizabeth Dillman, Alyssa Beck, and Philip Angle. Charlie Clodfelter and Chris Shimmel were absent. Visitors were: Crystal Goins, representing the Park Board, and Mayor Amy Thomas.
Jody called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
The board could not approve meeting agenda or budget due to not having the paperwork. That was tabled for the next meeting.
Crystal requested money on behalf of the Park Board for installation of a toddler playground, mulch, and fixing park toilet. This matter is tabled until the board receives a hard copy of quotes.
Board members discussed the following ideas of future events:
1) Lewis & Clark Days: A three-day weekend event, featuring local vendors, Liberty Theatre actors, and educational interactive tables, taking Rock Port back to Lewis and Clark on the trail. Vendors who do handiwork like herbs, making clothing, blacksmithing, etc. Liberty Theatre actors to portray Lewis, Clark, and Sacagawea. Event date around August 17 as that is an estimate of when they passed through Rock Port on their journey. (Presented by Elizabeth)
2) Drunk 4 Corners: A brewery and winery event in the spring, featuring local alcohol vendors. The meaning of the name is the four curved state lines that meet. (Presented by Elizabeth)
3) Tractor Wars: A truck and tractor pull. Would need a business/businesses to bring this to the board. Would also need 360 feet of land, insurance, $20,000 for sled, scrapers, and prizes. (Presented by Philip)
4) Carnival/rides on Old Fashion Saturday Night. (Presented by Jody)
Other inquiries included:
Ashtyn inquired about Rock Port signs to be fixed on the interstate. Mayor Thomas inquired about light poles to be installed on Rock Port on/off ramps and the bridge into town. Philip stated that is MoDOT’s responsibility.
Board members voted to pay for potential outstanding debt/payments to be made. The board voted on this since they couldn’t see last month’s financials.
The next Tourism Board meeting will be August 8, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
