Explanation
BACKGROUND: This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Recreation and Parks to enter into contract with Red, White & BOOM, Inc. to assist in defraying the costs associated with organizing, promoting and executing Red, White & BOOM! 2016.
Over the last 35 years Red, White & BOOM! has become a signature event for the City of Columbus and a staple Independence Day celebration throughout central Ohio and the Midwest. The day-long event attracts more than 400,000 people to downtown Columbus, making it the largest single-day event in central Ohio. Of those 400,000 visitors, approximately 100,000 are from outside of central Ohio, and the event is often utilized by Experience Columbus in promotional materials to attract prospective sporting events, conferences and conventions that are considering Columbus as a destination. Moreover, in the last decade, Red, White & BOOM! has grown significantly, generating more than $10 million in economic impact to central Ohio annually, and over $150 million over the last 20 years.
The 36th annual presentation of Red, White & BOOM! will be held on July 1, 2016 from noon - 11 pm. The event will involve approximately 3000 workers, 130 vendors, and 100 volunteers over eight days. The proposed City funding appropriated through this ordinance will be leveraged with financial support from 35 separate other sponsors. In exchange, the City will be also be considered an official event sponsor.
This ordinance appropriates funding for event support in 2016 only, and does not represent a commitment to provide financial support in any future year. However, in receiving this one-time payment, Red, White & BOOM, Inc. understands the value and importance the City attributes to this annual event, and Red, White & BOOM, Inc. has committed to making all reasonable efforts to ensure the event continues to be staged in downtown Columbus in the future. And, to the extent possible, the City agrees to work cooperatively with ...
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