During the recent Texas City Lamarck Chamber of Commerce meeting, Executive Director Tim Culp presented a comprehensive overview of the chamber's activities and future plans, particularly focusing on the Bayou Fest event. Culp, who has nearly 30 years of experience in economic and community development, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the chamber and the city to enhance local events.

Culp clarified that the chamber does not intend to cancel Bayou Fest but is considering moving the event to a different date and potentially combining it with another festival to boost attendance and participation. He noted that the current service agreement with the city, established in 2022, requires the chamber to coordinate the event, but he suggested a shift from a management role to a supportive coordination role, allowing the city’s Parks Board to take a more active lead.

Financially, the chamber currently receives $25,000 annually from the city, which is allocated to various responsibilities, including underwriting costs for Bayou Fest. Culp reported that the chamber has historically used a significant portion of these funds to support the cook-off segment of the festival, alongside raising additional sponsorships. He proposed that the city could benefit from a reallocation of these funds to enhance its visibility at various events, including the annual community guide published by the chamber.

The discussion also highlighted a noticeable decline in Bayou Fest attendance, attributed to budget cuts and a reduction in the quality of entertainment compared to previous years. Culp and other council members acknowledged that higher-quality talent is crucial for attracting larger crowds. In response, Culp suggested exploring new sponsorship opportunities and possibly increasing the festival's budget to secure more prominent acts.

Additionally, Culp introduced a new event concept, the Cajun Throwdown, which aims to draw significant attendance and generate economic activity in Lamarck. He requested $20,000 in funding to help launch this event, which he believes could complement Bayou Fest and invigorate local tourism.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from both the chamber and city officials to work collaboratively to revitalize Bayou Fest and explore innovative ways to enhance community engagement through local events. The council is expected to further discuss these proposals and the future direction of the festival in upcoming sessions.