Parks staff reports strong event turnout, opens vendor registration and launches 'Prosper Jam Off' for Celebrate Prosper

Caitlin (last name not specified), events staff for the Parks and Recreation Department, told the board on June 12 that a recent special-event survey produced 351 responses and that staff will return with more detailed findings in August.

Caitlin summarized recent and upcoming events, calling the May "Blooms and Bubbly" sip-and-stroll a success and saying some downtown businesses reported their busiest traffic ever during the event. She said the next similar event is scheduled for July 19 and that the series will continue with three additional events later in the year.

Staff announced that vendor applications for Celebrate Prosper and for the Christmas-in-July promotion will open earlier than originally planned, responding to public demand. The Parks department also said it would run a "Prosper Jam Off" music competition to select opening acts for Celebrate Prosper: performers may submit audition videos June 15–30; submissions will be vetted and the top acts put to a vote. Caitlin said the only eligibility requirement is that at least 50 percent of each performing group be Prosper residents; acts must be family friendly.

Caitlin also noted other scheduled programming: a July 1 "Bridle in the Sky" fireworks display at Frontier Park (fireworks to launch at 9:30 p.m.) organized with Cedarbrook Media, and the July 19 "Bourbon, Beer and Bubbly" event from noon to 4 p.m.

Staff said they work closely with the town’s economic development/communications partners to promote downtown events and that event materials and the special-event survey will be presented in more detail at the August meeting.

No board action was required on these items; they were presented as information and scheduling updates.