City reports: Strawberry Train events attracted hundreds and an estimated $186,000 to Newark

Mark Maher, Newark’s community and economic development director, told the council that the Newark Strawberry Train Excursion and related America 250 activities brought hundreds of visitors and a measurable economic boost.

"Over a two-day period, we we had 650 people come in on the train to to experience Newark, Ohio," Maher said, and he said organizers estimate the economic impact on Newark was "probably about $186,000." He also summarized a previous April event that drew about 750 attendees from multiple states and two countries and noted that Ohio Governor DeWine and family boarded the train during the events.

The report highlighted local venues that participated, including Canal Market, the Midland Theater, and the Sullivan building, and said museum tours and walking tours were offered to visitors.

During public comments, resident Pat Hile described recurring trespassing and encampment problems near a blocked road and raised concerns about late-night fireworks in his neighborhood, adding, "I don't have a solution to it." Council members acknowledged the complaint and offered to follow up through the proper departments.

Council members also announced several items of interest to residents: stormwater/sewer separation work has begun in the seventh ward (residents were directed to the city's construction updates page for closures), and staff warned that federal and state backing for Canal Market "green coins" has lapsed and those vouchers will expire June 30. Council encouraged residents who hold the green coins to use them at the market before that date.

Members thanked volunteers for recent cleanups and scheduled upcoming finance and service committee meetings for July 6.

The council received the report; no formal council action on event funding or tourism strategy was recorded at this meeting.