HomeMy WebLinkAboutA013 - Requests from Ames Regional Economic Alliance for Taste of Campustown on August 27, 2026ITEM #:15
DATE:03-24-26
DEPT:ADMIN
SUBJECT:REQUESTS FROM AMES REGIONAL ECONOMIC ALLIANCE FOR TASTE
OF CAMPUSTOWN ON AUGUST 27, 2026
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
Ames Regional Economic Alliance (AREA) is planning to host Taste of Campustown
Thursday, August 27, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Taste of Campustown is a food-focused
community event celebrating the diverse restaurants located in the Campustown Business
District. The event invites attendees to sample menu items from participating businesses at an
affordable price while encouraging foot traffic, brand awareness, and repeat visits to
Campustown establishments. Attendees will purchase tickets at one of two ticket booths within
the Campustown Business District for $1 each. Tickets can be redeemed at the bars and
restaurants for sample size offerings of their most popular food items (samples of food items
only, not alcoholic beverages). Businesses will be encouraged to set up booths outside their
establishments on the sidewalk with their food samples. In order to facilitate this event, AREA
has requested approval for the following:
Blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit for the Campustown Business District from 12:00
p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Blanket Vending License for the Campustown Business District from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00
p.m. and waiver of fee ($50 loss to City Clerk’s Office)
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the requests for Taste of Campustown, including the waiver of the $50 fee for
blanket Vending License.
2. Approve the requests for Taste of Campustown but require reimbursement for the
blanket Vending License.
3. Deny the requests.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Taste of Campustown adds vitality to Campustown by encouraging repeat visits to
Campustown establishments and increasing foot traffic in the area, benefitting
businesses in the area. The event organizers have experience in hosting many other
events throughout the year. Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the
City Council adopt Alternative No. 1, as noted above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
08.27 Taste of Campustown LOS.pdf
Taste of Campustown Application 2026.pdf
1
Taste of Campustown Location Map 2026.pdf
2
February 17, 2026
Mayor and City Council
City of Ames
515 Clark Ave
Ames, IA 50010
Dear Mayor Haila and Members of the Ames City Council,
The Ames Regional Economic Alliance plans to host Taste of Campustown, located within the
Campustown Business District, on August 27, 2026 from 4:00pm-8:00pm.
SpecifIc information about the event can be found on the included Special Event Application,
where we request a temporary obstruction permit, and a waiver of fees for the Blanket Vendor
Permit.
Thank you for your consideration of this request. We look forward to seeing you at the upcoming
Campustown Fall Classic.
Sincerely,
Dan Culhane, CEcD, CCE
President & CEO
Ames Regional Economic Alliance
3
Special Event Application
Submitted on 17 February 2026, 3:56PM
Receipt number 9
Related form version 3
Name Sarah Hurley
Organization Ames Regional Economic Alliance
Email Address sarah@amesalliance.com
Phone Number 5152322310
Street Address 304 Main St
City/State/Zip Ames
Event Organizer Information
Event Name 2026 Taste of Campustown
Date 08/27/2026
If your event is more than one day, please specify date range.
Location/Address Campustown Business District
Rain Date (if applicable)
Rain Location (if applicable)
Upload the event site plan here:Taste of Campustown Location proposal 2026.pdf
Is this an annual event?No
How many years?
Region Campustown District
Upload your letter of support from AREA here.08.27 Taste of Campustown LOS.pdf
Upload your letter of support from ISU here.
Event Details
1 of 5 4
Upload your letter of support from Ames Main Street here.
Please explain:
Timeline 12:00pm - set up of booths
4:00pm - event starts
8:00pm - event ends
10:00pm - tear down complete
Description of Event Activities Taste of Campustown is a food-focused community event celebrating the
diverse restaurants and eateries located in the Campustown Business
District of Ames, Iowa. The event invites attendees to sample menu items
from participating businesses at an affordable price while encouraging foot
traffic, brand awareness, and repeat visits to Campustown establishments.
Attendees will purchase tickets at one of two ticket booths within the
Campustown Business District for $1/each and will be sold in strips of 5.
Tickets can be redeemed at X of the bars and restaurants for sample size
offerings of their most popular offerings. Pricing of the samples varies
between businesses. This is the perfect opportunity for everyone to see what
Campustown eateries have to offer!
How do I participate? Businesses are encouraged to set up outside of their
establishment sell samples of their top food items for $1-$5 a piece via
tickets, sold by the Ames Regional Economic Alliance at stations throughout
the Campustown Business District, as well as before the event.
This event is an alcohol free event. Thank you in advance for understanding.
We encourage businesses to run specials this evening if they are interested
in selling alcohol within their establishment.
Event Category Exhibits/Misc.
Is the event open to the public?Yes
Anticipated Daily Attendance 500
Audience Profile Everyone and anyone
Is your event being held in conjunction with another event? (e.g.
Farmers' Market, 4th of July etc.)
No
Please list.
Organization Status Nonprofit
Are patron admission, entry, or paricipant fees required?Yes
Percentage of net proceeds going towards fundraising:10
Percentage of net proceeds going towards for-profit entity:90
Are vendor or other fees required?No
Who will be responsible for security during the event? Check all that
apply.
Staff
Security Organization
Security & Communication
2 of 5 5
Taste of Campustown proposal 2026
Legend
Ticket Sales Tents
1.Corner of Welch and Chamberlain (Campustown Court) Rain location:
Welch Ave Station
2.Inside Roni’s Mac Bar
3.Corner of West St and Hyland, Rain Location: West Street Deli
Obstruction permit zone
6