The Mesquite Public Arts Commission voted to continue discussions with the Eureka about coordinating two First Friday–style events, the commission decided after a community representative described a $10,000 offer from Eureka executives and planners. The motion to continue talks passed by voice vote.
The move keeps each event separate but directs commissioners and staff to explore coordination so attendees can move between locations. The commission’s decision follows a presentation from Jerry Chasko, of the Eureka Community Initiative, who said Eureka’s planners had offered $10,000 toward the effort and that the Eureka would host its own adult-oriented event with permits and alcohol service.
Why it matters: Commissioners said they wanted to preserve the arts district’s First Friday identity while avoiding direct competition and maximizing visitor flow across downtown. The motion preserves both groups’ independence while asking staff and volunteers to meet and work on timing, vendor lists and shared promotion.
Discussion highlights: Jerry Chasko told the commission the Eureka’s event is planned at a different scale and would likely run later in the evening; commissioners and community volunteers discussed time windows so people could attend both. Commissioners and event planners reported proposed hours of roughly 4–7 p.m. for the arts-district First Friday and about 5–8 or 6–10 p.m. for the Eureka event, and discussed staggering end times to allow visitors to move between venues.
Vendors, fees and contacts: Commissioners clarified a $20 booth fee structure: $10 is a city vendor fee (vendor license) and $10 goes to the hosting venue (theater, Jimmy Hughes campus or art gallery). Members of the Virgin Valley Artists Association were told they may register through the gallery or theater and that nonmembers may register through the same venues and pay the $20 fee. The commission agreed to use a city email account (impact@mesquitenv.gov) as the initial contact point for vendor and public inquiries; those messages will be forwarded to the event leads for follow-up.
Next steps: Commissioners approved a motion to continue discussions and to set up a coordination meeting with the Eureka event planner, with the First Friday committee to work out details including timing, vendor lists, maps and shared promotion. The motion was moved and seconded on the record and carried by voice vote.
Community context: Commissioners and volunteers emphasized keeping the arts district focus for the original First Friday (promoting local galleries and artists) while allowing the Eureka to host complementary gatherings, including an adult-oriented program at the Eureka venue. Organizers said they have secured multiple small sponsors ($150 and one at $250) to fund advertising and are continuing vendor outreach.