Council votes to contract new balloon festival management in Rancho Mirage

The Cathedral City Council held a regular meeting on April 23, 2025, where discussions centered on the upcoming Balloon Festival and its potential enhancements. A key focus was the new balloon contractor, who is expected to provide 20 balloons daily for the festival. Council members expressed confidence in the contractor's experience, particularly noting her successful history with the Temecula Balloon and Wine Festival, which attracted 70,000 attendees.

Council member Carnapoli raised concerns about the contractor's reliability, but city officials reassured the council that they have established strong relationships and do not anticipate any issues. The contractor is set to begin consulting once the contract is finalized, which is expected to elevate the festival's profile.

The council also discussed the festival's attendance trends, noting fluctuations in balloon participation over the years. Last year, the festival featured around 24 balloons, and officials are optimistic about increasing this number through partnerships with local tourism organizations and hotels. Plans to engage with the Westin and DoubleTree hotels were mentioned, as the council aims to improve attendance and overall festival experience.

Additionally, the council addressed the evening events of the festival, which have seen low attendance in the past. Feedback indicated that the Friday night events were not as popular, prompting discussions on how to enhance these offerings. The council is considering various options, including re-engaging local sponsors and exploring new programming to attract more visitors.

Public comments were minimal, with one resident expressing opposition to the festival plans. However, the council moved forward with a unanimous vote to approve the staff recommendations regarding the festival, indicating strong support for the event's future.

As the city prepares for the Balloon Festival, officials are committed to making improvements that will benefit the community and enhance the festival's appeal, ensuring it remains a vibrant part of Cathedral City's cultural landscape.