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CRA reports 'Winter in Paradise' drew estimated 1,500 attendees; staff highlight outreach and small-business participation
Summary
CRA staff presented a recap of the December 'Winter in Paradise' event at Heart and Soul Park detailing attendance growth, marketing efforts, vendor participation and transit usage; commissioners praised the event and encouraged expansion.
Ansley Lacey, a CRA presenter, delivered a recap of the December Winter in Paradise event, telling the board the event took place Dec. 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Heart and Soul Park in the Historic Northwest and that the CRA's objectives included publicizing CRA redevelopment efforts while providing community activities.
Lacey said the event supports five goals in the CRA strategic finance plan, including protecting historic fabric, promoting Tamarind Avenue redevelopment, restoring the Sunset Lounge and Heart and Soul Park, developing cultural tourism and enhancing safety. She said the team rebranded event marketing, launched a website and mailed direct mailers to the 33401 ZIP code area; the mayor's newsletter reached about 36,000 subscribers.
Lacey reported attendance estimates increased over recent years: 350 (2022), 900 (2023) and an estimated 1,500 this year. Surveys and tracking data indicated many first-time attendees, with a majority of adult attendees in their 30s. Rose Trolley provided 178 rides for the event, Lacey said, and staff distributed surveys and swag bags with information on grants and CRA projects.
"This will be a really quick recap presentation ... this year's event was held on December 6th, from 6 to 9 PM at Heart and Soul Park in the historic Northwest," Lacey said in her presentation. She thanked the mayor, the CRA team, partner organizations and the Historic Northwest Business Alliance for support.
Commissioners praised the event. Commissioner Lambert said the marketing showed measurable results and encouraged replicating the approach across the city. Commissioner Fox said she found the event "outstanding" and praised staff and small businesses for their participation. The mayor also praised the event for activating Heart and Soul Park and hosting members of the African American Mayors Association.
Ending: Staff said they will continue to expand marketing and set an ambitious attendance goal of 2,000 for next year; staff opened the presentation to board questions and reported they had fresh data to inform future event planning.
