How to get a social event started?

Individuals in our community are asked to come up with ideas for social events.  The Board will designate a responsible party to be in charge of the event and allocate funds (where appropriate for the event). The Board will assist the individual in logistics for the event and in the advertisement of the event.  In the past, these events have included a chili cook-off, community yard sale, holiday decorating contest, a parade, an ice cream event and a pool party.