Rock'in On Main Street To Return in 2008


(posted Nov 12)


Rock'in On Main Street will return in 2008 with a change of focus from this year's over 21 crowd orientation.

The Speedway Redevelopment Commission decided at its November 6 meeting to take a minor role in the function instead of the major sponsor and promoter role it had this year. The carb day event had planned on capturing the crowd leaving the IMS by offering live bands, with the intent of passing the profits from admission charges onto the Community Development Corporation. The event had a much smaller crowd than anticipated.

The SRC reimbursed Dawson's on Main Street $2,700 for the cost of two bands performing on May 25th.

SRC President Scott Harris said the SRC "stimulated" the event last year, but needs to take a minor role in order to let others involve different sponsorships. Abrams & Associates, Miller Lite, and Barnes & Thornburg also sponsored the event. Abrams & Associates and Barnes & Thornburg provide services to the SRC.

SRC member Ron Fisher said "We are not controlling it, but we've got to make it family oriented."

As for reimbursing Dawson's for the bands, "The SRC provided encouragement for Dawson's to partner in a Main Street event. With that commitment we stated that we could provide financial backup. Several entities provided sponsorships, but not enough to cover expenses. The cover charge was to pay for the bands. As you know we received several inches of rain that evening and the attendance was low. Dawson's took a substantial loss on the venture, but have realized that with a little cooperation from nature it will be a success. Several organizations feel that it would be a good venture and we hope that there will be commitments this year to cover all expenses event if it rains. Dawson's didn't provide a settlement until a few months ago," Harris said.

National Weather Service records from carb day show a total of .44" of rain, all between the hours of 6 pm to 8 pm.

There are no reimbursement claims from other sponsors. The SRC also reimbursed Harris' May 25 claim itemized as "SRC" for $19.25 at Dawson's that included alcohol on the bill. The time on the receipt was posted near midnight.