Carnival planned for Fourth celebration
A carnival in Onaway during the Fourth of July celebration will be another way to keep people in the area between the time the Independence Day parade ends, and the annual fireworks begin. If that theory holds up, it would be a boost to the local business community.
That’s why the Onaway Chamber of Commerce sought permission from the city to host a carnival on Maxon Field from Saturday, July 2, through Monday, July 4.
Schmidt Amusements would conduct the carnival. The carnival would include three or four rides, a few carnival games, and carnival food vendors (popcorn, cotton candy).
Schmidt Amusements would receive the proceeds, but it would not cost the chamber anything to get them here.
Schmidt has agreed to come to Onaway this year and will evaluate its success before committing to anything in the future.
“MY UNDERSTANDING is that the carnival will run no later than 11 p.m.,” said city manager Joe Hefele. “I have viewed Maxon Field as the most ideal location for the carnival, but we should be thinking about a back-up spot, should the field be wet to the point that a lot of damage would be caused.”
Commissioner Bernie Schmeltzer expressed his concern about the condition of the field following the use of the outfield grass area. Baseball season will be over by the Fourth of July, but Schmeltzer would like any ruts from vehicles, or any other damage, to be taken care of immediately.
The commission authorized Hefele to sign the contract with Schmidt Amusements.
IN OTHER matters to come before the commission: o Sewer contractor Glawe, Inc. continues to spend most of its time on phase two of the project, though the company and its subcontractors also are working at the plant, and there remains punch list work on the phase one collection.
The single biggest issue the city has been facing is the odor coming from the plant.
The odor always will be noticeable in the spring of the
Hefele said it has been unusually noticeable this year due to the fact that the plant is not yet discharging; meaning the sewage is not being treated and released, and the aerators are not yet in operation.
The city desperately needed the revenue from sewer customers because the first debt payments were due, so connections were made and sewage started running into the lagoons.
Hefele said the odor should dissipate soon, and the plan was to conduct plant start-up and testing on May 18, though that still needed to be confirmed with Glawe and their subcontractors.
o THE PUBLIC bid opening for phase three is scheduled for May 17 at 2 p.m. at city hall.