Malden Park Board votes to move meetings, scales down Autumn Fest and opts for July 4 fireworks

The Malden Park Board voted on a series of procedural and event decisions at its March 17 meeting, including changing its meeting day, scaling back the city's autumn celebration and approving fireworks for July 4.

Board Member Brenda Crumbie moved to change Park Board meetings to Wednesdays beginning April 15, 2026; Board Member Walker Culp seconded and the motion carried, recorded as 6-0. The next Park Board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.

On community events, Board Member Earnest Fobbs first moved to discontinue the city's Autumn Fest and was seconded by Walker Culp. Board Member Tomorro Antwine followed with an alternative motion to hold a smaller event similar to Autumn Fest; Culp seconded that motion and the minutes record that it carried 6-0. Board members discussed possible features for a reduced fall event, including a cook-off, car show and limited inflatable activities; a date will be set at a future meeting.

For Independence Day, the board agreed to present fireworks only this year. City Administrator Jeff Mitchell said he would review the city budget to determine whether the municipality could help cover fireworks costs.

The board opened the meeting with routine business: Walker Culp moved to approve the minutes from the July 15, 2025 Park Board meeting; Brenda Crumbie seconded, and the motion carried 6-0. The meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m. after a motion to adjourn from Culp, seconded by Crumbie, which also carried 6-0.

These decisions were recorded as procedural actions during a relatively short meeting that included brief reports on financials and several project updates.