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Committee approves $30,000 for Lighted Parade; staff to seek sponsorships for extra security costs
Summary
The committee approved funding for the annual Lighted Parade at the same level as last year — $30,000 — and encouraged staff to pursue sponsorships to cover an additional $5,000 security need mentioned by organizers.
The South Padre Island Special Events Committee voted to fund the Lighted Parade at the same level as the previous year, approving $30,000 for the event’s marketing and operations after hearing organizers’ report that the event has grown and requires additional security.
Lori Moore, Senior Operations and Events Manager, gave a recap of last year’s holiday programming and explained the city’s request. Moore said the event would include the tree lighting, the street parade, the boat parade, a children’s run and a community breakfast and that demand had increased: “We are requesting 35,000. 30,000 in marketing and 5,000 for security.”
Committee members questioned the $5,000 increase for security and suggested seeking sponsors to offset that cost. One member moved to approve the same amount as last year — $30,000 — while asking Convention & Visitors Bureau staff to seek sponsorships to cover any additional security expenses. The motion passed on a voice vote.
During discussion, members suggested local business banners on boats and additional sponsorship outreach to lower the city’s net outlay. Staff clarified that Parks handles the street parade while CBB (Convention & Visitors Bureau) handles other festival components.
The approval funds primarily marketing and operational needs; staff were asked to attempt to secure sponsorship dollars to cover the $5,000 security increase and to report back in post‑event documentation.
