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Council allocates HOT funds and contingency money for 'Orange Is Alive in 2025' event
Summary
Council approved up to $80,000 from the hotel occupancy tax reserve for a new tourism event 'Orange Is Alive in 2025' and approved $37,500 from the contingency fund for a drone show component; council requested a full presentation on programming and scheduling before finalizing dates.
City staff presented a proposal to create a day‑into‑evening tourism event, 'Orange Is Alive in 2025', intended to follow the city's Art in the Park and to draw visitors and encourage hotel stays. Staff requested approval to allocate up to $80,000 from the hotel occupancy tax (HOT) reserve fund to launch the event and requested a separate $37,500 from the general government contingency fund to pay for a drone show that does not qualify for HOT funding.
During discussion, councilmembers raised calendar concerns (possible conflict with the Lions Carnival weekend and other events). Staff said the allocation before council was to secure funding and assemble the program and that the exact date could be adjusted; a full PowerPoint presentation will be brought back to council to present details and projected return on investment. Council approved both funding motions.
Staff said the event would include kids' activities, food vendors, a silent disco, a flash mob and potentially a drone show; the goal is to position Orange as an arts and entertainment destination and to increase hotel occupancy, restaurant sales and retail activity.
Next steps: staff will return with a detailed event plan, budget, schedule and metrics for measuring return on investment.
