The Rock Port Tourism Board met Thursday, August 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at Rock Port City Hall. Members present were Jody VanSickle, Karen Brown, Ashtyn Beatty, Jim Clodfelter, Elizabeth Dillman, Alyssa Beck, and Philip Angle. Charlie Clodfelter and Chris Shimmel were absent. Sheena Roup, Rock Port Park Board president, was a visitor.

Jody called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

The meeting agenda was approved.

Paperwork was not available and the financials could not be approved.

Elizabeth wants to have more meetings for a “Lewis and Clark Days.” This would be a vendor event for local businesses that would go with that theme in the fall of 2025.

Karen reported on “Get Lost in Rock Port.” More information will be given at the September meeting. All businesses can be involved if they wish to be. A cartoon Lewis and Clark logo will be created for billboards and such. She also discussed a walking path in the park.

Information on a tractor pull was presented by Philip. Xcaliber Pulling has eight classes and is asking $29,250 for prizes, sanctioning fee, sled, $1 million insurance. The announcer and sound system would be included. Track length would need to be a minimum of 300 feet. Location would be Rock Port Fairgrounds, but the fairgrounds do not want to be involved. Lyle Brown, Ag Choice, agreed to allow use of their lots for parking. Tami Lansdown is open to use parking lot. There would be sponsorship opportunities for local businesses. One idea was a goodie bag with coupons to local businesses. Volunteers would be needed at the entrance gate, driving skid, etc. Hiawatha Implement of Mound City will provide two tractors, skid loader, and track working equipment, and asked for a banner and shout out before every class. The event is expected to take place next year in 2025.

Philip inquired on behalf of Tami Lansdown about doing an event called Touch The Truck. Examples of companies/machinery are Double M Towing, Meyerkorth Aviation, excavator, tractor, and combine. It would give kids the chance to sit in heavy machinery equipment.

Park Board President Sheena Roup asked for funds to install the toddler playground correctly and safely. Athco Company needs to install the playground and pour concrete and the cost is $8,400. It will take the company 27 hours. Jim made motion to pay the $8,400 to Athco company. Ashtyn seconded. Six board members voted aye,  and one voted nay.

Jody brought up the ball drop for Old Fashioned Saturday Night at $1 per ball. The Tourism Board wants to give out a total of $2,000 in Lewis and Clark Bucks. Board members voted unanimously to have 2,000 balls for the ball drop and replace real money with Lewis and Clark Bucks that can only be redeemed at Old Fashioned Saturday Night. Vendors include fire department and carriage rides they can redeem to the Tourism Board with real money. Board members voted to have the next meeting after Old Fashioned Saturday Night Thursday, September 26, to redeem Lewis and Clark Bucks in person with someone present to exchange Lewis and Clark Bucks for real money. The meeting will be at 6:00 p.m.

The meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.