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Dawsonville DDA backs two concerts at Main Street Park, agrees to cover stage costs
Summary
The DDA voted to hold two concerts in 2025 at the city amphitheater area and to fund stage rentals for those family‑friendly events; board members also discussed staffing, sponsorships, vendor fees and timing.
The City of Dawsonville Downtown Development Authority voted to fund two concerts at Main Street Park in 2025 and to cover stage rental costs for those events, with an emphasis on family‑friendly programming.
The discussion began with a recap of the 2024 Gospel in the Park event, which staff said drew about 800 people and tested the amphitheater’s capacity for larger events. Amanda Edmonson briefed the board about the park’s suitability for concerts and the opportunity to pair music events with food trucks and artisan vendors to support downtown businesses.
Board members and City Manager Bob Bowles discussed logistics and costs. Bowles reviewed options for stages and facilities: purchasing a mobile stage could cost in the low hundreds of thousands of dollars (he cited roughly $250,000 as a ballpark for a mobile stage), while a permanent band shell concept he and staff previously costed was on the order of $325,000. For single events the board discussed contracting rental vendors and technical crews; several speakers estimated that some groups or stage and sound packages could cost several thousand dollars.
Board members raised staffing and volunteer needs. Bowles and other members said public works, utilities and support staff currently absorb much of event labor and the city can run multiple events but must manage scheduling and staff capacity. The board discussed sponsor interest: local business leaders had already expressed willingness to sponsor acts and help with volunteer support.
After extended discussion about seasonality, alcohol policies (the board noted alcohol at events is a city council per‑event decision), vendor fees and promotion, Dwight Gilliland moved and Tasha Howell seconded a motion to hold two concerts in 2025 with the DDA covering stage rental costs for both. The motion passed on voice vote; transcript did not include a roll‑call tally.
Staff were directed to pursue dates, contracts for stage/sound, sponsor outreach and a volunteer plan. The board also discussed longer‑term goals including pursuing a permanent stage, securing sponsorships for a band shell and contracting technical providers for sound and lighting.
