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Middleton arts volunteers report strong turnout at recent events; request modest budget support for supplies and a tent
Summary
Committee recapped the Renaissance Fair and pumpkin events with high attendance and asked staff to track current supplies and include a tent and wagon in the next budget cycle; members noted the committee’s annual baseline budget is $5,000.
Committee members told the Middleton Arts Committee on Nov. 14 that recent community events drew larger crowds than expected and highlighted an immediate need for supplies and small capital items.
Elizabeth Winters said the committee partnered with the library for a Renaissance Fair on Sept. 21 where librarians counted ``close to 900 people'' and the committee made roughly 200 crowns before supplies ran out. At a recent 'Hunting for Pumpkins' event, committee members said about 240 children signed up for activities.
"We made over 200 of them," Elizabeth said of the crowns, noting organizers had to restock mid-event. Members urged the committee to secure additional bins and a wagon to transport supplies to pop-up events and to purchase a pop-up tent to protect volunteers from sun and rain.
The committee also discussed the annual budget process: Michelle Phillips said the arts committee's baseline funding is $5,000 and that the group had requested an increase that—so far—had not been approved. "We only get $5,000," she said, calling the lack of an increase disappointing and urging members to consider fundraising and engagement with the finance committee.
Members suggested having the city help promote a Giving Tuesday-style fundraiser and using the city's express-pay tool to accept donations. The group asked staff (Abby) to pull current budget and spending numbers and to place any needed budget amendment on the next meeting agenda if there is a shortfall for December events.
No formal budget increase was approved at the meeting; the committee said it will pursue a mix of fundraising and a formal request through the city's finance process.
