Veishea may be suspended in 2005, but several Ames residents hope the tradition can live on in the future.

Long-term Ames residents and ISU students met Monday in the City Council chambers in City Hall, 515 Clark Ave., to discuss the steps needed to ensure the success of a spring festival. Gary Botine, president of the Ames Chamber of Commerce and moderator of the forum, said the meeting was an opportunity to address what residents are willing to do to make Veishea a success.

No one who attended the open forum spoke out against resuming Veishea in 2006. Most said they think of Veishea as a celebration for the entire community.

Samantha Sexton, senior in advertising, said there is a distinction between Veishea and the riot. She said that at midnight last April 18, Veishea organizers thought the event was a huge success, drawing more than 100,000 people. It was after midnight when the celebration got out of control.

Brian Smith of Ames said he thinks Veishea is the best way to showcase Ames.

He thought spreading events throughout the entire community might alleviate the threat of future riots.

Nearly everybody in attendance agreed a spring festival would help the concept of “One Community,” an idea aimed at bringing Ames residents and ISU students closer.

“It’s sad that this had to happen to realize we need one community,” Sexton said.

Ashley Glade, co-chairwoman of Leaders INspiring Connections, the reincarnation of the Veishea 2005 executive board, said the entire Ames community should be involved in the planning and execution of a spring festival.

Glade said she thinks part of the problem surrounding Veishea is students not getting involved. She said if people take ownership of the event, they would be less likely to destroy it.

“When the riots occurred last year, we were horrified. We had ownership and pride over the event,” she said. “How can we instill that pride in everyone and make everyone a part of it?”

A town hall meeting is scheduled for March 7 in the Great Hall of the Memorial Union to further address the recommendations given in the report and at Monday’s forum.