Staff reports summer crowding at concerts and upcoming family events; commission approves New Year’s Eve pilot plan

City staff reviewed recent and upcoming community events at the Sept. 8 meeting, highlighting four regular Wednesday concerts in the summer series and an anniversary event that ran from noon to about 8:45 p.m. Staff said the highest‑attended concert drew more than 1,600 people. Staff announced a series of community paint days tied to the Firston Virginia mural (evening signups on Sept. 18 and a community day on Sept. 20), and said staff are piloting pop‑up arts activities, bracelet‑making and other family‑oriented programming. The commission approved a proposal to pilot a New Year’s Eve family event at Depot Park from 7–9 p.m. with a $1,000 budget. The proposed activities include s'mores, hot chocolate, a DJ, a projected countdown (New York time was suggested as a theme), and short family performances. Staff proposed using the police station or fire pit area for a managed fire if permitted; the event would include crafts and a place for attendees to write resolutions or wishes. Staff also announced a family game night on Sept. 24 (6 p.m. until sunset) with outdoor games acquired through a council member grant: cornhole sets, giant Jenga and ring toss. Commissioners asked staff to coordinate logistics and volunteer support and to report back after the pilot events.