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Diversity Council outlines Cash Mob pilot and explores rebranding West End summer festival
Summary
Members planned a small pilot for a Cash Mob series to support local businesses and discussed absorbing/rebranding the West End (Rockwell) Festival into a 'Unity in the Community' block party, coordinating permits, vendors and Parks & Rec support.
The Bristol Diversity Council discussed two community-outreach efforts: a pilot Cash Mob to drive foot traffic to local shops and preliminary plans to rebrand and potentially help run the West End (Rockwell) summer festival as a community block party.
For the Cash Mob pilot, organizers said they will visit Bristol Scoops (noted earlier as a high vote-getter in a local selection) to coordinate a rollout and asked for one to two volunteers to accompany the organizer on an owner visit. The chair said he would attempt to meet with the shop owner early next week and that a small delegation would help finalize a Q2 timeline for the broader program.
Separately, members summarized discussions with the mayor’s office and Parks & Rec about stepping in to rebrand the West End Festival as "Unity in the Community Summer Block Party." The mayor’s assistant (Taryn) and parks staff discussed potential cost-neutral approaches: if vendors and groups supply tents and equipment, the council may not need to provide funding; Parks & Rec could advise on permits, traffic control and medical/EMT coverage. The council also discussed inviting police and fire for community wellness involvement and reserving park space without cost through Parks & Rec.
Members noted that vendor-fee arrangements and whether vendors would pay for spots need clarification from the mayor’s office and finance staff; the chair said work on these policy details will continue and the topic will be elevated at the next full meeting.
