HomeMy WebLinkAboutA009 - September 8, 2026, Regular Meeting of the Ames City CouncilITEM #:9
DATE:09-08-26
DEPT:ADMIN
SUBJECT:REQUESTS FROM AMES REGIONAL ECONOMIC ALLIANCE FOR
CAMPUSTOWN FALL CLASSIC ON OCTOBER 14, 2026
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
Ames Regional Economic Alliance (AREA) is planning to host the Campustown Fall Classic
Wednesday, October 14, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. The goal of the event is to promote and
showcase the Campustown Business District by partnering with Wandering Greens Miniature
Golf to set up miniature golf stations within the requested closure of Campustown Lot Y and
the adjacent portion of Chamberlain Street. The event invites attendees to play through the
mini golf course and walk through Campustown to visit the local businesses. Businesses are
encouraged to run specials and provide coupons to attendees.
Event set up will be begin at 1 p.m., including the parking lot and street closure. The event will
take place from 4 to 7 p.m. Tear down will be complete and the street and parking lot closure
will be opened by 8 p.m. The event is open to the public. Organizers anticipate approximately
250 attendees.
In order to facilitate the event, organizers have requested the following:
Blanket Temporary Obstruction Permit for the Campustown Business District
Closure of Campustown Lot Y and adjacent portion of Chamberlain Street, including 19
metered parking spaces, from 1 to 8 p.m. (loss of $47.50 to the Parking Fund)
Event organizers have agreed to reimburse the City for the lost parking meter funds in
the amount of $47.50. They plan to notify affected businesses by going door-to-door
with event information, placing signs in the area prior to the event, and distributing
event details via email.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve the requests for Campustown Fall Classic subject to the reimbursement to the
Parking Fund of $47.50 from the event organizers.
2. Deny the requests.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Campustown Fall Classic 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.
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ATTACHMENT(S):
10.14 Campustown Fall Classic Application for CAF_Redacted.pdf
Campustown Fall Classic Map - UPDATED.pdf
10.14 Campustown Fall Classic LOS.pdf
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Upload your letter of support from Ames Main Street here.
Please explain:
Timeline 1:00pm - set up miniature golf set up inside or outside of 9 businesses
within the Campustown Business District.
4:00pm - event starts
7:00pm - event concludes
Description of Event Activities The Campustown Fall Classic is an event hosted every fall by Ames
Regional Economic Alliance. The goal is to promote and showcase the
Campustown Business District by partnering with another local business,
Wandering Greens Miniature Golf, to set up miniature golf stations at the
first 9 businesses to register for the event. Businesses can participate by
hosting a miniature golf hole! The Ames Regional Economic Alliance can pair
a business with a set up from Wandering Greens Miniature Golf at no cost to
the business. If we pair you with a miniature golf hole, we ask that you stay
open from 4:00pm-7:00pm and allow for indoor set up due to inclement
weather. 2. If you have your own set up or you're thinking about creating
your own, you are more than welcome to do so! In addition to the miniature
golf set up, we encourage businesses to run specials, provide coupons to
attendees to come back at a later date, and promote the event is happening
on their social media channels!
Event Category Other
Is the event open to the public?Yes
Anticipated Daily Attendance 250
Audience Profile Everyone and anyone is welcome to attend.
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?No
Percentage of net proceeds going towards fundraising:
Percentage of net proceeds going towards for-profit entity:
Are vendor or other fees required?No
Who will be responsible for security during the event? Check all that
apply.
Staff
Security Organization
Security Organization Contact Name
Security & Communication
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Mini golf (9
holes)
Music
Campustown Fall
Classic
October 14, 2026 | 4pm-7pm
Campustown Business District
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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 the second annual Campustown Fall Classic,
located within the Campustown Business District, on October 14, 2026 from 4:00pm-7:00pm.
SpecifIc information about the event can be found on the included Special Event Application,
where we request a temporary obstruction 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
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