Commission members reviewed a sketch from Lindmark for the billboard on the interstate and provided suggestions and comments on what words they felt needed to be most visible and the overall look of the sign. Most notably, they said they wanted the two Hope exits (30 and 31) to be on the sign for passing drivers to see. The revisions will be sent back to Lindmark to make alterations. 

Commission members set the date for Sparks Fly in July. The 4th of July is on a Thursday this year so the commission decided to have the event at the airport the following Saturday, July 6th. That was when the event was held last year and commission members reported it to be successful. 

Commission members were presented with the option of placing an ad in the Hope Hempstead County Relocation & Visitor’s Guide, a publication by SWARK.Today, like they have in previous years. The commission approved the purchase of a $1,235 inside cover ad for the publication. 

In other business, Tourism Secretary and Parks Director Summer Chambers updated the commission with the latest info on planning for the eclipse event. She said an application had been submitted to the FAA to host the event at the Hope Municipal Airport, and that the application was approved. She said the next eclipse event meeting will be on Wednesday, January 10.  

Chambers also updated the commission on the Ice Rink, now that it has closed for the year. In total for the season, she said there were 432 skaters bringing in $2,160. The commission members discussed plans for next year and decided that during the season they would make it available to rent for birthday parties and church groups, etc.