The Garden City Downtown Development Authority approved next-year event dates and received reports on this year26#8217;s Lucky Squirrel vendor market and the chili cook-off at its Oct. 21 meeting.

The board unanimously approved proposed 2026 Lucky Squirrel dates and discussed moving vendor payments online to streamline registration for roughly 150 vendor spaces (staff said the DDA plans to add about 16 spaces next year). "Because, you know, there are 150 vendors... if they want to click and pay online... it26#8217;ll be easier for us and for them," Matt Miller, DDA staff, said. The DDA also approved the 2026 chili cook-off date for Saturday, Sept. 26.

John (DDA staff) provided a financial overview for the Lucky Squirrel events: income before expenses for the Lucky Squirrel program last year was $10,960, expenditures were $2,475, leaving a modest positive balance of $84.85; staff said those proceeds are reinvested into promotions and community events. In the chili cook-off packet, staff provided a detailed profit-and-loss summary (some entries redacted for administrative reasons) showing sponsor revenue, vendor and beer sales and volunteer reimbursements. Staff told the board volunteers and sponsors covered most costs this year, and organizers did not need to draw on DDA reserves to pay event expenses.

Trustees praised layout changes and new features at this year26#8217;s chili cook-off, including food trucks, a children26#8217;s zone and a mobile Secretary of State unit. The board discussed minor operational changes for next year, including water sales, additional canopies for food trucks and volunteer recruitment.

The board also approved a $5,000 allocation to produce up to 40 hometown-hero banners honoring veterans; staff said nominations are free and that Signarama will print the banners, which revert to nominators after display. The motion passed 7-0.