Planning underway for ‘Spring Fever Days’

An array of activities are being planned for this year’s “Spring Fever Days” in Emo, which will run April 19-21.
Colleen Vennechenko, president of the Emo Chamber of Commerce, noted at Monday night’s meeting that many of the events already are confirmed.
District residents can look forward to a display of Peterbilt trucks, a pancake and sausage breakfast at the Christian Reformed Church, “Cuts for Cancer,” a car wash and hotdog sale at Cloverleaf, and a poker walkabout around the community.
There also will be a “family fun day” at the Emo curling rink and a craft sale at the Emo Legion on the Saturday of the festivities.
The annual draw for “Emo Bucks” will be held late Saturday at the arena with Nestor Falls Marine.
“It’s all starting to come together,” Vennechenko said, noting many of the events are similar to last year.
But besides following up and confirming event ideas, the discussion at Monday night’s meeting focused on outside vendors coming into the community during the celebration, as one particular merchandiser from outside the district was inquiring.
While outside venders are required to pay a $50 fee, Chamber member Dave Goodman didn’t think the fee made up for bringing in direct competition for local businesses.
“It’s not fair because we’re putting this on, we’re advertising, and we’re bringing in the crowd,” he argued. “They shouldn’t just come in, take advantage of that work, and leave.”
And Goodman noted if they say yes to one vendor, then it’s opening the door for others.
But other Chamber members felt permission should be granted on a case-by-case basis, noting it’s one thing if it is a local business that doesn’t reside within Emo and another if it is from outside the district.
One member noted it’s also different if they have a business within their home but don’t have a proper storefront set-up.
“If they contribute to the community by buying groceries here . . . that might be okay,” Goodman said.
And Vennechenko noted they’d still have to pay the $50 fee.
But all the Chamber members on hand for Monday’s meeting agreed vendors from outside the district should not be welcomed.
“It’s to highlight local businesses and we don’t want to be taking business away from them,” Vennechenko stressed.
The Chamber also would like to see the community looking as good as possible in preparation for “Spring Fever Days.”
“Getting the streets swept would be great,” Vennechenko said.
“It would be great if the town came to the plate and made it shine,” agreed Paul Koomans.
Watch for upcoming advertisements containing more information on activities during next month’s celebration.
The next meeting of the Emo Chamber of Commerce is scheduled for Monday, April 30 at 7 p.m. at the Emo Inn.
Since “Spring Fever Days” will be over by then, that meeting will focus on feedback from the annual event.