Mayor requests 'crazy ideas' to show Cedar Park love

"Come up with a crazy idea," Powell said. "What's the worst that could happen? We put on a crazy idea, and it doesn't really work? Well then, let's move on. It'll become a really funny story. 'Remember that time when they did this?'"

Based on a list of five options, Cedar Park can be known for being functional, safe, comfortable, convivial or fun, Powell said. City Council members say they believe the city is somewhere between comfortable and convivial, he said.

"I would like to see us push," Powell said.

City leaders must organize street shutdowns or park reservations, Powell said. But ideas such as pink tentacles, Rhode Island river bonfires or a Denver convention center's giant blue bear statue all came from creative residents, he said.

Powell asked who in Cedar Park could brainstorm ideas. Audience members suggested the chamber and local businesses. Powell said churches and schools could also help.

"If an idea's a little wacky, are you willing to give it a chance?" he asked. "I'd ask all of us to be really open-minded, because economically the city's doing so phenomenally well. We're safe. We're secure. Ready to inject more of that community into everything that we do."