09/16/2025
PLEASE READ AND SHARE!
The DCDC met on August 21st at the Deckerville Ministries Bldg for the regular monthly
meeting with 6 members present.
Homecoming wrap-up dominated the meeting. The event fundraising fell short of costs by
about $2500.00. Lack of help remains the number one concern. Opinions were voiced
about continuing homecoming with the number one concern being lack of help. Much
discussion about location of activities conflicting with park entrance fees to cover the main
event.
Facts –
1. The refreshment tent requires 3 people for security, 2 bar tenders, 1 person for id
check, 1 person for beverage ticket sales. This year the tent was open 1-12. The
same people did the 11-hour shifts.
2. Gate entrance collection requires a minimum of 2 people, 3 are preferred. This year
we had 8 volunteers outside of our group, 3 of them did not show.
3. We are very grateful to the Deckerville Community Fire Department for the 13
volunteers who helped set up the refreshment tent barriers on Tuesday night and
the 12 that helped with tear down on Sunday morning. We could not do this without
their help. A donation is made to the Fire Department to show our appreciation.
4. Lack of food vendors at the park has been expressed. We are a small community,
and the food trucks prefer to go to larger drawing events.
5. The fireworks were very difficult this year due to the fog that rapidly appeared. Mother Nature is hard.
6. There are two factors that created the decision to hold “free” events uptown – away
from the park.
a. The focus of the DCDC is to “Enhance and Develop the Deckerville
Community”. We strive to bring people to our town, to support our town. The
Park takes away from the support to our businesses.
b. If the free activities were at the Park, how do we collect fees to help defray
the cost of a large event? At what time do you start collecting for people to
be at the park?
7. All large events (tractor pull, bump and run, rodeo) run about $15,000 to operate.
The tractor pull was chosen based on survey results we did in 2024. The tractor pull
has been very well attended in 2024 and 2025.
8. We opted not to have a band or dj in 2024 because of competition with the noise
from the tractor pull. In 2024 the tractor pull was over at 8pm. So, for 2025 we
decided to have a band starting at 8. The tractor pull was delayed due to rain and
then ran longer because of more entries in classes. The band could not be heard at
all.
Change? Change is hard, but necessary?
1. IF we can get organizations to agree to help with aspects of Homecoming we will
most likely continue to host it. Organizing and planning of the activity and raising
funds to cover the expense.
a. A group to take over kids activities (petting zoo and inflatables).
b. We have the promise of a group to hold a dinner in the park following the
parade.
c. Help with security within the refreshment tent
d. Help with collection of gate fees if necessary
9. The DLOW has handled the parade, it is our hope they are able to continue to do so.
10. It was suggested a drone light show instead of fireworks – we would love to know
what you think of this idea. The cost is similar.
11. Hold the tractor pull and refreshment tent on Friday night with paid gate fee.
12. Have all Saturday events free at the park following the parade. Bands beginning at 1
and going to 11. Multiple genre? Would need donations to cover the cost of bands.
Have the refreshment tent open from 1-12. Fireworks or light show on Saturday
instead of Friday.
A motion was made to table the homecoming discussion until the September 18, 2025
meeting.
As always our meetings are open and you do not need to be a member of the DCDC to
attend.
Respectfully,
Carrie Arndt
President, DCDC
