Title
Consider approving Resolution No. 2024-192 authorizing an annual sponsorship agreement with Bluegrass Heritage Foundation for the Farmers Branch Bluegrass Festival in the amount of $50,000 for three years, and take appropriate action.
Body
REQUESTOR:
Economic Development, Tourism, and Planning Department
BACKGROUND:
The Bloomin’ Bluegrass Festival began in 2010 and has continued until today. It is held the third full week in October at the Farmers Branch Historical Park. The Bloomin’ Bluegrass Festival has been nominated four (4) times for the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Event of the Year (2013, 2017, 2019, 2020). In 2024, this event won the Distinguished Achievement Award from the International Bluegrass Music Association, which the City was presented with on September 26, 2024, in Raleigh, North Carolina.
In prior years, the Hotel/Motel Fund has sponsored the Bloomin’ Bluegrass Festival with an average budget of $200,000 from the Hotel/Motel fund. Additionally, the event costs the City over $100,000 in overtime for Public Safety and Parks and Recreation personnel, which was paid by the General Fund. Attendance numbers have decreased from the highest of 10,000 to an average of 4,500. The event date will change to the end of July or the beginning of August from its original October date. This date would be better suited inside due to the weather and is when no other events are being held.
The event is proposed to be moved to the Doubletree Hotel near the Galleria. This venue will seat approximately 500 people and save over $150,000 by bringing the event indoors. The event will still host the amazing headliners it has in the past and will accommodate weather conditions.
DISCUSSION:
The City of Farmers Branch has reached an event support agreement with Bluegrass Heritage Foundation for exclusive naming rights, as well as tickets. The agreement will be for three (3) years at $50,000 a year. The event support agreement will be funded by the hotel occupancy tax fund.
FISCAL IMPACT:
$50,000 each year
DISTRICT:
Citywide
POSSIBLE COUNCIL ACTION:
1. I move to approve Resolution No. 2024-192 as presented.
2. I move to approve Resolution No. 2024-192, with modifications.
3. I move to table the issue for further study or take no action.
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Resolution No. 2024-192
2. Event Agreement