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Home My WebLink AboutADMIN-10-00 c THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON ~ REPORT Meeting: General Purpose and Administration Committee File#~~ Res. # -~-OO FilE #: By-law # Date: February 28, 2000 Report #: ADMIN-10-o0 Subject: CLARINGTON BACKYARD FESTIVAL RECOMMENDATIONS: It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee recommend to Council the following: 1. THAT Report ADMI N-1 0-00 be received; 2. THAT Council endorse the overall promotion of the Claringtcin BackYard Festival beginning Saturday April 29 to May 31, 2000; 3. THAT Council approve the requested budget allocation of $ 20,000.00 {maximum} for the purpose of confirming a fireworks display on Monday May 22, 2000 (Victoria Day); and, 4. THAT members of the Clarington BackYard Festival (Municipal "May-nia") Committee be informed of Council's decision. 1.0 BACKGROUND: 1.1 Since June of 1999 there has been much discussion about "marking" the arrival of the new era - the new Millennium. Many communities across Canada and the world marked the milestone on December 31, 1999. There were so many events, large and small, that it was difficult to decide which celebration to watch or, if possible, attend. 1.2 Since the start of this year, the Marketing, Tourism & Communications Office has been working to create an event plan and partnership to produce a Clarington-made tribute to the year 2000. One thing, however, is abundantly clear to the members of the Clarington BackYard Festival Committee. The public is tired of Millennium "anything". The task is to find a family-oriented event or group of events that will 1203 , REPORT NO.: ADMIN-10-o0 PAGE 2 allow Clarington citizens and visitors to celebrate the Clarington experience. 2.0 Clarington BackYard Festival: 2.1 In the various publications used to promote the Municipality of Clarington, it is clearly stated (many times) that living, visiting and working in Clarington is a unique opportunity and experience. What makes the Clarington experience so unique? There are many factors, to be sure, but the most outstanding factor is the pride and spirit that Clarington citizens have for their hometown. The BackYard Festival celebrates our spirit, our people and our community. It is an opportunity to let others know what they are missing by not being here! 2.2 The BackYard Festival is a month long celebration of activity starting with the 30th Anniversary of the Clarke Museum & Archives on Saturday April 29, 2000 and includes a Grand Finale on Victoria Day Monday (Monday May 22, 2000). Events occurring throughout the month of May are the focus of the Clarington BackYard Festival marketing (promotion) strategy. Special posters and promotions will assist the groups who organize these events with the intention of raising event attendance to new (record) levels. In addition to Clarke Museum's planned celebration, these events will also be highlighted: Bowmanville Kinsmen Home Show; Maple Festival & Hobbies Show (Bowmanville BIA); Apple Blossom Fruit Wine & Food Festival (Archibald Orchards & Estate Winery); Mother's Day Special (Bowmanville Zoo); and, the Courtice lions Club Carnival. This list will be revised as we continue to send information to our community partners and offer to include their event. 2.3 This is too big of a program and a big responsibility for any individual to take on. The Clarington BackYard Festival's first significant partnership was in the development of the organizing (planning) committee. Joining the Marketing, Tourism & Communications representatives on the "Home Team" are: Sandy Archibald (Archibald Orchards & Estate Winery); Penny Waghorne (Ontario Power Generation - Darlington); Catherine Presant (Clarington Public library); Mark Jackman (Clarke Museum & Archives); Charles Taws (Bowmanville Museum); Glenn Butt (Mosport International Raceway); and, Victoria Greene (Clarington Board of Trade). 1204 , REPORT NO.: ADMIN-10-00 PAGE 3 3.0 Grand Finale: 3.1 Each participating member of the BackYard Festival Committee is working on their event and will facilitate other events as part of the overall marketing strategy. The Marketing, Tourism & Communications Office is co-ordinating the Grand Finale event. 3.2 As the name suggests, the Municipality will stage the final act of the Clarington Backyard Festival ("Municipal-May-nia"). The vision of celebrating the people and spirit of Clarington is an event focal point. Although overall plans are still unconfirmed, there is one firm request from the Festival Committee. The request is for the inclusion of a significant fireworks display on Victoria Day. 3.3 In years past, Victoria Day fireworks were a tradition. This does not appear to be the case now. As far as the Committee has been able to confirm, there are no fireworks planned in the immediate area of Clarington (Toronto to Cobourg). Therefore, Clarington has an opportunity to draw attendance from many directions. The Committee is discussing the site for the display. A couple of potential sites are being investigated. The site requirements include accessibility (for attendees, organizers and emergency vehicles if required) and, availability of unobstructed space (the prescribed space required to launch fireworks - roughly an area of 100 m X 200 m- that remain clear of spectators). At one point, the Committee was considering a water launch for the fireworks but it is believed that the conditions of Lake Ontario in May are too uncertain and, therefore, the fireworks will be launched on land. Council will be advised of the location as soon as it is the Committee has exhausted their investigation. 3.4 At this time, Marketing, Tourism & Communications staff has contacted three licensed fireworks display companies. Although their suggestions as to what the display should include vary greatly, the quoted costs are remarkably similar. For a non-musical fireworks display, the industry standard, so to speak, appears to be approximately $1,000 per minute. A good fireworks display runs 15 to 18 minutes ($ 15,000 to $ 18,000). As current budgets have not been reviewed or approved, the Marketing, 1205 ~ REPORT NO.: ADMIN-10-00 PAGE 4 Tourism & Communications Office is requesting Council's approval to officially book a fireworks display for Monday May 22, 2000 (Victoria Day). Further it is requested that Council to approve a maximum allocation of $20,000 for the purpose of this display (including associated taxes). 4.0 SUMMARY: The Clarington BackYard Festival holds the promise of an exciting and fun-filled event. We are investigating sponsorship opportunities to help offset the event's operational expenses. With the exception of the request for a fireworks display, the event plan is still in its developmental stages however, local talent, family activities, and partners will be highlighted throughout. It is anticipated that the event calendar will be finalized by the end of March and a subsequent report to Council will be submitted at that time. Respectfully submitted, Reviewed by, r- V' ~~~ t C Franklin Wu, Chief Administrative Officer 1206 /f) — CJcJ 664&19-va&My kotp&To-vV Us&vvd� �� I �9,6y f � Vay- ome 1 Activities throughout May Spectacular Closing Victoria Day, Monday, May 22nd • Animal Adventures • Sports • Musical Fun - • Water Action • Revisit Our Heritage , • Barbecues • Spectacular Fireworks Display • Walk Our Waterfront Trail • Famil Picnic y A Great Place to Live and Play