The 6 A's of the Mercer Cup

This is a detailed account of everything our group did to prepare for the event:
Anticipation: Anticipation for the Cyclocross event has been going on for quite some time but really kicked in to high gear in the last 2 months as our event planning team took on promotions. Our first step was to create a facebook group for Mercer Cyclocross. From there, “Mercer Clyclocross” created an event for the actual day of the races. The event was able to contact of all of the friends of Mercer Cyclocross to get information out about the big event with periodic updates as well. Next, we handed out postcards with event information at Community fest. We also placed some under windshields. Along the way, we also posted on various Cyclocross-related web forums to hype up the event. Next, we hosted a clinic on riding basics to increase interest in new riders. Before the clinic, we placed fliers throughout the TCNJ campus, as well as posting on the facebook page. Our final step of anticipation was to send fliers home with students from Lawrence High School.
Arrival: Arrival was very important for the event because had large quantities of people coming and going throughout the day. Once you entered the park, an electronic sign told drivers where to head for parking. Once you reached the marina (where the event was held), signs told cars to turn right into the parking area. A parking attendant collected money and directed cars where to go. Originally we had a volunteer directing cars where to park but we found that they were fairly able to figure this out on their own and were able to use that volunteer elsewhere. Additionally, we had course marshals at the course crossings to direct spectators once they entered race grounds.
Atmosphere: The atmosphere of a cyclocross race really creates itself. The combination of sponsors, racers and spectators builds into this excitement. Old racing friends catching up since their last race, discussing who they think is going to win. Everyone gets in to it. Additionally, an announcer could be heard almost anywhere throughout the park broadcasting how the races were going. The cow-bells that people were ringing also pumped of the level of excitement.
Appetite: Food was a key requirement of an outdoor, daylong event as ours was. Warm food and drinks were absolutely necessary because people were standing around in the cold for all of the races. We had a VIP tent that provided coffee, oatmeal, muffins and cookies for the VIP sponsors, racers and volunteers. There was also a sitting area available for spectators to sit down while they ate and still be able to see the races. On Saturday, the food truck had warm sausage, hot dogs, chicken tenders, etc. but they did not have any vegetarian options. Luckily, they picked up on the demand and had veggie burgers for Sunday.
Activity: We didn’t want too many things going on at once to distract people from watching the races. We had races going on at almost all times which made for constant entertainment. Although there were not any interactive activities, spectators could watch the pit crew, bike washing and awards ceremonies as well.
Amenities: There were not any amenities for the spectators of the races, although, there were sponsor tents with various items on display. The amenities we had were for the racers. The winners of the races received a check as well as a gift bag containing things like cliff bars, bike products, t-shirts and socks. We also provided amenities to the volunteers of free food and t-shirts.