Organizers oppose moving Hometown Holiday to Center of Flight; council discusses long-term uses for parcel

Volunteers for Hometown Holiday told the Riverside City Council they prefer the event’s current location at the school district and opposed using the Center of Flight parcel for the city’s holiday celebration, citing infrastructure and safety concerns.

Julie Denning, speaking for the Hometown Holiday Committee and Riverside JC’s (Junior Chamber), said the event moved from the Airway Shopping Center to the school because the old courtyard was colder, less visible and had declining business participation. The school location provides more space, better vendor participation and an asphalt surface for vendors and vehicle access; the JC’s carry the event’s liability insurance. Denning said Center of Flight lacks electricity, has uncertain ground conditions, limited safe parking and would raise insurance and safety issues for rides and attractions. She emphasized the event is organized and insured by the Riverside Chamber and the JC’s, not the city; historically the city supplied small in-kind support and modest donations.

Councilmembers agreed the Center of Flight parcel is underutilized and discussed its long-term potential — including an entertainment district, food-truck area or redevelopment — but noted significant constraints. Staff reiterated that the city’s near-term plan for the parcel is to position it for private redevelopment (sale) and that zoning, a comprehensive land‑use rewrite and possible roadway realignment would improve its prospects. Council members suggested small interim steps (adding power, leveling a pad for food trucks) but acknowledged the city currently lacks capital to fund such improvements.

No formal action was taken. Staff and council agreed to continue pursuing planning steps to make the parcel more marketable while leaving near-term event locations and insurance responsibilities with the event organizers.