Ypsilanti City Council voted 6-1 Oct. 5, approving to waive the park rental fees for ypsiGLOW 2021, hosted by WonderFool Productions.
Jennifer Goulet, executive director of the nonprofit organization WonderFool Productions, requested that the city co-sponsor and waive rental fees in the amount of $2,420 for park rental fees and $1,500 to assist in covering the events expenses, according to the resolution. This year’s ypsiGLOW event will be held Oct. 29 and will take place across Downton Ypsilanti, Depot Town, W. Cross Street, and Riverside Park from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
“YpsiGLOW is a celebration of the power of creativity and diversity… connecting and building community across Ypsilanti,” Goulet said. “It’s a community celebration built and created by the community. This year, we get to feature John E. Lawrence with a jazz performance at Riverside Park, which increased the expenses of the event.”
After the presentation, some of the council members issued their support for this resolution. However, Councilmember Steve Wilcoxen motioned to amend the resolution, removing the $1,500 donation from the resolution. This amendment was passed on a 4-3 vote.
“I think that waiving fees is one thing but am shy about approving money for events that could be funded otherwise,” Wilcoxen said. “So, I make the amendment to remove the $1,500."
This year, ypsiGLOW will be partnering with Engage@EMU to increase student involvement in the event. Engage@EMU is offering a GLOW Pass with prizes featuring local businesses offering GLOW specials. They will also be glowing up the outside of Boone Hall with a video projection by EMU Theater Tech, Orchestra, and Dance.
“Engage@EMU is organizing an EMU GLOW Pass that students can use to dress up, light up, and enjoy the opportunity to come back into town and support small business,” Goulet said. “We are also looking for day of event setup volunteers along with student ambassadors that could help people who have any questions.”
Those interested in attending the event or looking for volunteering opportunities at ypsiGLOW, can find more information at www.wonderfoolproductions.org or email wonderfoolproductions@gmail.com.
