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City staff reports 2,600 attend VetFest; commission weighs site, access and food-service changes
Summary
City staff told the Surprise Veterans Disability and Human Services Commission that VetFest drew about 2,600 attendees and 130 vendors; commissioners discussed venue access, food-truck distribution and possible timing changes amid budget realignments.
City staff reported to the Surprise Veterans Disability and Human Services Commission on May 13 that the city’s third annual VetFest on April 11 drew roughly 2,600 attendees and more than 130 vendors, and that sponsorships and commission support covered event costs.
A city staff member recapped the event and sponsors, which staff said included a mix of nonprofits, health providers and local businesses. “2,600 people showed up at VetFest,” the staff member said, and staff reported approximately $15,000 in sponsorships for the event.
Staff said they surveyed vendors and attendees (response volume was limited) and calculated an overall event rating of 4.63 out of 5; registration and pre-event communications scored especially high. Staff also flagged logistics issues tied to the unexpectedly large crowd: food trucks were overwhelmed, one vendor reported a vehicle breakdown and static displays far from food-service areas had trouble accessing concessions.
The commission discussed whether to host future VetFests at the stadium (tighter footprint, improved access) or at Mark Cardinato Park (spread-out layout), with accessibility for people using wheelchairs and walkers a central concern. One commissioner said the stadium reduced walking distances and improved access for mobility-limited attendees; others noted that some static displays located outside gates had difficulty reaching food services.
Staff also said the city is considering moving VetFest to the fall because of current city budget realignments and that planning for next year will begin soon with Kara Poling named as lead point of contact for the planning committee.
No formal policy or budget vote occurred at the May 13 meeting; staff requested direction and will return to the commission with options on venue, logistics and scheduling next year.
