THE BRIGHT SIDE
The beach rate monetary increase was on the agenda at the last piers, harbor, and lakefront committee meeting.
The beach rate was just increased at the start of 2021 to $8.00 for all adults and children. This was to help simplify things and keep the kiosks running efficiently (and make more money). The lines and wait time to get into the beach in 2020 were long. Part of the reason for this was the kiosks and the patron’s confusion with entering separate requests into the machine for adult and children’s rates. It was a computer problem not predicted until recently and the computer couldn’t handle the requests instantly.
The other reason, behind the lines and wait times, was the virus. Limited capacity was implemented for some of the season. The final reason was for the change and cash money exchange between the beachgoers and staff. The 2021 beach season ran swimmingly. There were no lines at the kiosks and no capacity limitations to deal with. The summer season was a financial success, earning gross revenue of just over half a million dollars.
So why is an increase being discussed? To simplify things of course, without losing money. The Lake Geneva Harbor Master has concerns about the amount of change and the dollar amount that is exchanging hands at the beach. Most of the beach staff are teenagers and have done a great job as every dollar is and has been accounted for, and that’s a lot of money to be handled; $74,181.00 to be exact. The rest of the revenue was received through the VIPLY App and credit cards in the amount of $475,951.95. The harbormaster would like all money received this way to avoid any discrepancies with the financial results. The Lake Geneva Harbor Master is a smart man and has made a smart move.
Halloween is just around the corner and celebrations are underway.
Bring your little ghosts and goblins to Big Foot High School on Saturday, October 23rd, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., for ‘Trunk or Treating.’ Vehicles will be decorated and parked in the east parking lot waiting to hand out treats. Local businesses and schools will also be participating. Concessions will be available with plenty of Halloween stuff for purchase. All proceeds will benefit Walworth Elementary School. Vote for a favorite decorated trunk. The winner will receive a prize. Costumes are encouraged but not required.
Then Sunday, October 24th, the Lake Geneva YMCA will be hosting its ‘Trunk or Treat,’ from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. This is a free community event with treats, games, and fun for the whole family.
Driehaus Fountain Angel Update
The Angel is repaired and returned to the fountain in front of the Riviera. Let us all hope that those that feel the need to deface this statue know and understand that it is monitored by security 24/7.
