This story has been updated with additional comments.

The CPA Picnic is exploring whether to move the event to a new location next summer in hopes of providing a bigger and better event for residents.

“We’re exploring a new frontier with the CPA,” said Grant High, the CPA Picnic president.

The picnic’s committee voted Tuesday night during its meeting to look into the possibility of hosting the picnic at the elementary school. High said this move would allow more space for parking, carnival rides and tents.

Jason Musick said by potentially holding the picnic at the school, it could get more kids involved.

“This organization is about the community. It’s about the kids, and it’s about the youth,” Musick said. “I think it’s gonna be a bigger and better event.”

No decisions Tuesday night were final as further discussions with the school district are needed. High said this was a first step to begin exploring their options.

Superintendent Stu Moeckel said Wednesday that, with the right planning, he thinks hosting the CPA Picnic at the elementary school wouldn’t be an issue. 

“Our schools are here to serve the community and what better way to serve the community than to host something like that,” Moeckel said.

Moeckel said the committee needs to have all of the logistics worked out before the district can consider hosting.

Since alcohol isn’t allowed on school grounds, High said the plan would be to sell alcohol on Barbwire Barbecue’s property.

Musick said he thinks they would have outdoor tents on the property manned by CPA volunteers.

“We’ll have to have somebody patrolling that area so that they’re not taking alcohol into school property,” he said.

As for the parades, High said they could start at the same place but end at the elementary school. He also suggested holding the market on 10th Street’s sidewalk.

Since a potential event at the school would be bigger, the committee discussed how they would pay for it. Musick said they would need to fundraise and offer more sponsorships to offset operation costs.

High said looking into a new location stems from wanting to get more of the community involved, specifically those who are newer to town.

“We need to get more people plugged into this tradition,” High said.

The committee came to a unanimous decision to explore the idea of moving the picnic. High said there are still many conversations to be had and options to be weighed before a decision to move the picnic is final.

After numerous comments were posted on Facebook Wednesday about the potential change, Musick posted on Facebook Wednesday night with additional reasons why the committee is considering a location change.

These include future possible renovations to CPA Park, the potential construction of a new library and increased visibility for out-of-town guests.

Reach reporter Ryn Drummond at [email protected]

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