Chamois aldermen approved a budget of up to $2,000 for the “Chamois Summer Carnival” to be held on July 16 from 6 to 9 pm. The event will include carnival games for kids to play that will include small prizes and end with a fireworks display. The original budget for the monthly events at the City Park was approved earlier in the year for $200 per month.

“Our last event went really well,” said Mayor Elise Brochu. “We probably had 60 kids or so, and we have more interest in this one. I think we should get a fair amount of people.”

Brochu and City Clerk Meghan Birmingham have been planning the monthly events, and they first encountered a problem with doing fireworks when they tried to get event insurance.

“We talked to our insurance company about fireworks, and they said it would be $5,000 for us to get insurance, but if the fire department sets them off, then they said the insurance would get a lot cheaper,” Brochu explained. 

The Chamois Volunteer Fire Department agreed to set off fireworks for the city, and it did not add anything to the cost of insurance for the fire department.

The city will borrow carnival games from the Chamois R-1 Parent Teacher Organization (PTO).

Alderman Marty Gerloff asked how much money Brochu thought was needed for the event.

“I don’t think we need a ridiculously long fireworks display since we’re going to have a carnival, but we don’t want it to be embarrassing,” Brochu said.

“I’m fine with whatever if we can afford it,” Gerloff said. “If we can have a decent thing that people could look forward to every year, that would be great.”

Brochu was hoping for between $1,500 to $2,000 for a budget for the event.

“I hate to go too crazy with the city’s money, but I also want it to be fun,” Brochu said.

“I think it sounds like a great idea,” said Alderman Matt Shockley.

Alderman Jim Wright asked if the fireworks would be purchased in Chamois.

“It makes sense to spend the money in town,” Brochu said. “I think we know someone who will work us a deal.” Brochu was referring to Alderman Shockley, who also sells fireworks.

“You’ll get a deal,” Shockley said.

To avoid a conflict of interest, aldermen approved a budget for the event but not specifically where they would buy fireworks. Brochu and Birmingham will shop around for the best price on fireworks.

“I’m confident that we’ll end up with the best deal here anyway if Matt is going to donate,” Brochu said.