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Princeton outlines summer street concert, tourism promotions and upcoming short-term lodging ordinance review
Summary
The city heard an update on the summer street concert series, sponsorships and tourism promotions, and was told the tourism advisory committee will review tourism grant applications and consider short-term lodging ordinance updates.
Victoria Ebsen, speaking on behalf of local business and tourism interests, updated the council on the city’s summer events, marketing efforts and an upcoming review of the short-term lodging ordinance.
Ebsen said this year’s concerts will be held at a new location between Marion Street and Park Avenue East and that the committee has met a $40,000 sponsorship goal for the series. Promotional activity includes commercials on streaming and cable platforms and an appearance on WGN’s Midwest Is Best on June 19, one day before the first concert; Ebsen said Princeton will also be part of a three-month Destination Illinois campaign with WMBD Peoria/Bloomington for regional exposure.
Ebsen said safety planning is underway: the street concert committee met with the county Emergency Management Agency and is working with Adam Lynn to finalize an incident action plan to protect attendees and staff. She also said the trolley service is planned to run through the summer to connect visitors from north to south.
The tourism advisory committee will meet next month to review tourism grant applications; Ebsen said applications are due May 30 and awards will be announced June 30. She also said the city will explore potential updates to the short-term lodging ordinance to ensure it remains current. Ebsen provided outreach and promotional details: updated visitor materials will be distributed to lodging partners, and more than 2,000 copies of visitor maps have been circulated.
Ebsen listed upcoming summer events the tourism office supports, including Shrimp Fest, the Princeton Mile, Homestead Lawn events, the Beef and Ag Festival and other community festivals, and said the Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce will run late-night shopping every third Thursday from May through September, 4–8 p.m. She invited council members and the public to take posters and promotional materials and noted the city will host the chamber’s next after-hours event at the Princeton Police Department on May 15 from 4–6 p.m.
The presentation concluded with a reminder of grant deadlines and an announcement that Walk of Fame nominations remain open; Ebsen thanked council members for their support.
