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Kearney Enrichment Council pauses Oktoberfest, plans two sponsor-backed kids events
Summary
New Kearney Enrichment Council executive director Lawrence Gradian told the Board of Aldermen the council will not continue Oktoberfest because of financial losses and loss of volunteer partners; instead the council will stage two free, sponsor-funded children's events in June and July.
Lawrence Gradian, introduced as the new executive director of the Kearney Enrichment Council, told the Board of Aldermen on Monday that the council will not continue its October "Oktoberfest" event this year after reviewing finances and volunteer support.
Gradian said the council examined recent returns and found the event produced a negative financial return last year. "Last year, we would have been a loss of $5,000," he said in the meeting discussion. He also said two key volunteer partners'the food pantry and the fulfillment house'returned checks last year and will not provide volunteers going forward, which removed about three-quarters of the volunteer base for the event.
Instead of the October event, Gradian said the council plans to stage two sponsor-backed free kids events in downtown Kearney on the last Saturdays of June and July. The council intends to secure donated food (hot dogs, chips, water), seek groups to staff concession-style service to avoid additional city health permitting burdens, and provide family activities such as bouncy houses and music. "Everything that is there will be donated or given to us or paid for by a sponsor," Gradian said. He noted the council is finishing its building and expanding into a space referred to as Spark Studios.
Board members asked about whether street closures or other city services will be needed; Gradian said the June event likely will not require blocked parking or street closures, though the July date might expand and could need a side-street closure if larger inflatables or attractions are placed on grass. The mayor offered to assist because a city employee serves on the council board.
No formal city action was requested or taken; the board thanked Gradian for the update and did not direct staff to draft or approve any permits or ordinances at the meeting.
