Marissa (staff) gave a recap of the Jingle Bell Junction holiday events around City Hall: family activities (wrapping-paper workshop), a Santa's workshop in partnership with Maker Playground and Central Indiana Woodworkers, community jazz improv workshops led by Brandon Meeks and a public jazz performance. Despite poor weather on Sunday, staff reported the week-long series welcomed roughly 3,000 visitors overall, with about 400 attending main events.
"We had about 3,000 people that came through that week," Marissa said. She described a successful community response to improvised performances and noted that elements such as live trees and fire pits helped create a stronger gathering space.
Staff and commissioners discussed next steps for 2026 programming, including a possible new Jazz Fest component and considerations for weather contingency planning. No formal action or funding decision for a Jazz Fest was recorded; the idea was raised as exploratory.