The City Advertising Tourist Promotion Commission (CATPC) met Thursday morning for its monthly meeting. Chairman Robin Reeves welcomed the guests, Donna Braymer from the City and Chuck Eddington from Parks and Rec.
Braymer updated the commissioners on the City Council meeting that evening.
Eddington said, “This is the first time we’ve been able to host a double event with basketball at Creekside and other gyms in town, and baseball at the Complex.”
There were 117 basketball teams and 41 baseball teams with nine teams on a waiting list. “This is the first time in two years that we’ve maxed out the fields at the Complex. Everyone wanted to play on our turf fields. The time may come when we have to request turf for the rest of the fields.”
“The next big tournament weekend will be May 10-11, the BeElite Basketball Circuit, with 150 teams expected. We will have 1A State softball and baseball teams the following week, May 15-17. Everyone loved the facility for the past tournament, and all the basketball teams rotated between all the gyms, so everyone played at Creekside, too.”
“This is a great partnership between CATPC and Parks. We are swamped, and that’s a good thing. Our staff did a great job, but we did have to pay some overtime. Both managers had much to do to prepare for that weekend.”
Richard Sciarra, Director of Sales reported a very busy month with attending conferences and hosting events. He said the first show at the Amp on Friday, June 27 will feature one local act, one up and comer, and one platinum recording artist. Details will be announced soon.
Matt Bell, Explore Harrison Executive Director, said, “Year to date, restaurant sales are up 3.5% which is huge as this is not our busiest season"
Bell reported the Downtown Strategies Group will make a presentation to the State on May 14. If approved, a Main Street Board will be set up under the HHBA umbrella.
He reported that all hotels in Harrison were booked during the BeElite Tournament. Officially, 92 teams competed in Harrison.
The Air Race Classic will be held at the Boone County Regional Airport on June 17-18.
Bell reported the Fiddlers Convention was well attended.
The Hot Air Balloon State Championship has already booked hotel rooms for pilots. Quality Inn is honoring buy one, get one free as their sponsorship for the event. Maxed out on food trucks, still accepting vendors.
Explore Harrison Presents the 2025 Kinetic Fire in the Sky, the first time a naming sponsor has been involved with fireworks.
Colton’s Steakhouse has new owners, and lots of updates are coming.
1A State Baseball and Softball - Held a meeting with Jasper School District to discuss event needs from their district.
Creekside Amp State -expected completion in May. Working to complete additional electrical requirements for large-scale concerts.
Pink Out Tennis Tournament and 2k Fun Run Aug. 29 4-6 p.m. All are welcome as we honor cancer survivors.
Jeepin for CASA this Saturday at Northark.