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Questions about Coatesville:
Contact Town Hall at 4994 Milton Street
Coatesville, IN 46121 765-386-7205
A n I n d i a n a M a i n S t r e e t C o m m u n i t y
Coatesville Downtown Revitalization (CDR) Semi Annual Update
SEPTEMBER 25TH, 2020 UPDATE
Around this time last year, I was reporting how 2019 turned out to be a stellar year for the CDR with many great accomplishments. We expected more of the same in 2020, but then COVID-19 arrived, and our hands were tied as to what we could do versus could not do. Since the last update earlier this year, COVID was just coming to light and at that time we had no idea what lay before us. Six months later and we all live in a new world which may be with us for some time.
Despite COVID-19, we were still able to gain a few accomplishments. Yes, COVID created havoc for businesses, forcing many to close and causing the implementation of new policies and procedures on where and how public gatherings can occur. We did not let COVID stop us completely. First, I will cover the events that were or will be affected by COVID, I will then cover our accomplishments, and then cover what events will continue in 2020.
Events Impacted by COVID-19
1.Spaghetti Dinner (April)
With the outbreak of COVID a month prior to this event, we had not choice but to cancel this event.
2.The 8th Annual Coatesville Car Show (July)
We had hoped to change the date to later in the year, but the COVID impacts had our hands
tied and we cancelled this event for 2020 with plans to have it in 2021. Here are some of the
impacts that resulted in the cancellation of the car show:
•The impact of COVID resulted in the closure of the Community Building for a period
•The Indiana Gaming Commission suspended all licenses because raffles encouraged gathering
•With the number of people we have that attend this event, it would be impossible to enforce
social distancing
•Any event gathering greater than 250 people would have to be submitted and approved by
the Board of Health.
There were additional factors, but in the end, we could not put on a quality show and more
importantly, we could not guarantee public safety and the right thing to do was to cancel the
show. When we cancelled, we went back to every person that pre-registered and to every
sponsor and offered to refund their money. The car guys all elected to apply their fee to the 2021
show and every sponsor said to keep the funds and use for next year or towards our revitalization
efforts. In the end we did not have to refund even $1.00 which just demonstrates the generosity
and class of our show attendees and sponsors.
3.BINGO! (November and December)
Sadly there will be no Bingo this year because of the volume of people we get and that we
cannot guarantee public safety to everyone. Not worth the risk, plus the Community Building
is only open to family events, not large event gatherings for the remainder of the year.
4.Halloween
Other than the Scarecrow Contest listed below in the events section, the CDR is not planning
any other events or contests for Halloween at this time (no story reading or Pumpkin Carving
Contest). At this time, we cannot speak to Halloween night Trick or Treating or to any other
Halloween events. This will all be decided closer to October 31st and may very well be dictated
based on the status of COVID-19 at that time as well as any state mandates that may come down
from the Governor’s Office and/or CDC. Closer to October 31st, and when we have more information,
we will post it on the Town’s new Facebook page.
Accomplishments Despite COVID
As you will see, our accomplishments were few and this will be a down year for just about everyone. Fundraising is down significantly this year because our two main events were cancelled, but the successes of the last couple of years made it so there were no concerns from a financial perspective and that we could still do things within the community.
1.Virtual Car Show
Since we could not have the real car show, we created a virtual car show with trophies, door
prizes, and goody bags. The awards and voting were held the same day as the originally
scheduled car show on July 18th. Where others were cancelling their shows, we came up with
an alternative to keep the car guys engaged with Coatesville. We did not get as many vehicles
as we thought we would, but it was still successful and the car guys that participated loved it.
2.Holiday Light Ornaments
The CDR purchased approximately 1,800 LED light bulbs. We have switched out every bulb on
the large ornaments you see during the holidays that hang from the various poles around the
center of town. This year will be a brighter, more colorful, and festive holiday season.
3.Annual Car Show
Despite the show being cancelled, I still must list this as an accomplishment. We had everything
all planned and ready for this show with a few final tasks to be completed when it was decided
to cancel the show. We were in a great position for this year’s show, but now we are in a super
position for the 2021 show given all the work that was done this year and late in 2019.
4.Historical Society
The Historical Society is a separate group but rolls up into the CDR. We continue to collect many
great artifacts for the society that can be seen on display in Town Hall. We also continue to get
donations and/or photocopies of many vintage photographs that are also on display as part of a
slideshow that continually loops in Town Hall. Earlier in the year, we kicked off a photo contest
prior to all the COVID issues that was scheduled to run into November. Due to the COVID
constraints and restrictions, we will be extending the contest into 2021 through May 16th. We have
also secured another cabinet to display many other small items in that is ready to be filled.
5.International Harvester Building Exterior Revitalization
This project officially started on Monday, September 7th now that cooler weather has arrived.
We expect this project to move quickly with a target end date by the end of October. This project
is being covered by in-kind donations. Anyone that would like to donate to this project can do so
at this link: www.CoatesvilleIndiana.com/IH.html
This is a sample of what we expect the finished project to look like (before and after)
Upcoming Events
1.Halloween – Scarecrow Contest
Due to requests last year, we will bring back the scarecrow contest on a test basis this year.
We discontinued it in 2019 because the previous two years there were no more than five entries.
Folks can register to receive an assigned spot for their display. Judging will select winners
(the Top 3) who will have exclusive bragging rights (no cash prizes this year). You can enroll
today by clicking on this link: https://www.coatesvilleindiana.org/contests.html
2.Tree Lighting Ceremony
We are planning the tree lighting ceremony, but there will not be any activity occurring in
the Community Building afterwards. We are looking at maybe doing something outside
following the tree lighting (weather permitting), but this has not yet been confirmed.
We will advise on the new Town Facebook page (more below) once we have it figured out.
3.Holiday House Lighting Contest
This contest will be back. More to come in November.
It is also important to mention that we have a new Town of Coatesville Facebook Page. Due to issues with administrative rights on the old page, we will no longer be using the old page, although it will still be available to view. Any posts or messages posted on the old page going forward will not be responded to. Please access and “like” our new page at: https://www.facebook.com/CoatesvilleIndiana
As we get close to the end of 2020, we are looking at 2021 and what events and activities we can do and do them with public safety in mind. I hear they are testing a COVID vaccine, so we can only hope they are successful doing so and can mass produce it so we can all go back to living regular lives, but even with that, things will never be quite the same again.
Time to close out this update, but first a few questions. Do you want to get involved with your community? Do you want to make your mark in the community? Want to help make Coatesville a better place? Come get involved with the CDR and/or Historical Society. We have lots of great things being planned and can always use new and fresh ideas. Come share your ideas and let us see what we can make happen. We meet the second Thursday of the month at 7pm in the Community Building. Come check us out and get involved in your community.
Have a safe and healthy rest of your year!
Steven Schultz
President, Coatesville Downtown Revitalization
