Friday Squared out, 5K in: Chamber opts to cancel event
June 10, 2015
Charlea Mills
After discussing issues with the July Friday Squared event originally slated for July 10, the Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors unanimously decided to do away with the event in favor of a 5K only later in the year.
According to Mindi Artherton, Chamber director, the event turnout was declining. She said, “Friday Squared has been a fun summertime event for our community. Unfortunately, our attendance numbers have declined. Due to the expenses associated with the event and the low attendance numbers, we decided it wasn’t a great fit for our community.”
Other factors that played into the decision was the extreme heat experienced in July. Instead of continuing the Friday Squared tradition, the Chamber is electing to host just a 5K at some other point during the year instead.
Friday Squared was first held in July and August of 2010. Then, they added a May event in 2011, as well. By 2012, the Chamber had dropped the event back to just July and August before finally going to just July in 2013 and 2014.
Each year, the Friday Squared events focused around community fun with an evening movie on the courthouse lawn and extended hours for businesses downtown. Businesses would stay open late, food vendors set up and the Cassville YMCA and Cassville Library held events for kids to participate in.
One aspect of the Friday Squared event that did make it a popular community experience was the SnoGlo 5K the Chamber added to the roster in 2013. Artherton said, “We love the idea of an evening 5K. We think that is something a little different than other races. However, we think it is just too hot in July.”
For the future, the Chamber plans to change the 5K to a less sweltering time to make it more friendly for area runners. Artherton explained, “Last year, we had over 100 participants sign up to run the race. However, due to extreme head, we only had around 60 that were able to attend and complete the race. We want to have an event that is not just miserably hot for our participants, not to mention the heat can be dangerous, and we always want to make sure our events are safe for our community members and out of town guests.”
As far as a future plan, the 5K dates are up in the air for now. Currently, Artherton is seeking volunteers to serve on a 5K committee that will organize the event. She said, “We are considering have a 5K in the fall but have not made a decision as to the exact date.”
Charlea Mills
After discussing issues with the July Friday Squared event originally slated for July 10, the Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors unanimously decided to do away with the event in favor of a 5K only later in the year.
According to Mindi Artherton, Chamber director, the event turnout was declining. She said, “Friday Squared has been a fun summertime event for our community. Unfortunately, our attendance numbers have declined. Due to the expenses associated with the event and the low attendance numbers, we decided it wasn’t a great fit for our community.”
Other factors that played into the decision was the extreme heat experienced in July. Instead of continuing the Friday Squared tradition, the Chamber is electing to host just a 5K at some other point during the year instead.
Friday Squared was first held in July and August of 2010. Then, they added a May event in 2011, as well. By 2012, the Chamber had dropped the event back to just July and August before finally going to just July in 2013 and 2014.
Each year, the Friday Squared events focused around community fun with an evening movie on the courthouse lawn and extended hours for businesses downtown. Businesses would stay open late, food vendors set up and the Cassville YMCA and Cassville Library held events for kids to participate in.
One aspect of the Friday Squared event that did make it a popular community experience was the SnoGlo 5K the Chamber added to the roster in 2013. Artherton said, “We love the idea of an evening 5K. We think that is something a little different than other races. However, we think it is just too hot in July.”
For the future, the Chamber plans to change the 5K to a less sweltering time to make it more friendly for area runners. Artherton explained, “Last year, we had over 100 participants sign up to run the race. However, due to extreme head, we only had around 60 that were able to attend and complete the race. We want to have an event that is not just miserably hot for our participants, not to mention the heat can be dangerous, and we always want to make sure our events are safe for our community members and out of town guests.”
As far as a future plan, the 5K dates are up in the air for now. Currently, Artherton is seeking volunteers to serve on a 5K committee that will organize the event. She said, “We are considering have a 5K in the fall but have not made a decision as to the exact date.”