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Council seeks budget detail before deciding on Sequoia Symphony for July 4 celebration

Tulare City Council · February 18, 2026

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Summary

Staff and Spade Entertainment proposed subsidizing a Sequoia Symphony concert at Zumwalt Park for the July 4, 2026 250th anniversary. Options included a $50,000 subsidy with $10 tickets or a $60,000 subsidy for free admission; council asked for sponsorship and revenue breakdowns and tabled the item for more details.

Councilors on Feb. 17 reviewed a proposal to bring the Sequoia Symphony to Zumwalt Park as part of July 4, 2026 celebrations marking the nation’s 250th anniversary. Staff described two subsidy options: a $50,000 city subsidy paired with $10 ticket sales, or a $60,000 subsidy that would allow free admission. The symphony’s low‑end production fee was described in staff remarks as roughly $20,000 while production and overhead could run up to $60,000 if the city opted for free admission.

Todd Spielman of Spade Entertainment said the symphony historically charges $10–$20 per ticket for Pops in the Park and that about 85% of the symphony’s funding typically comes from donors; he said the production company could try sponsorships and VIP packages to reduce city subsidy. Council members asked for a detailed budget showing production, janitorial, security and expected revenue from sponsorships, alcohol sales and VIP packages. Council emphasized protecting the concert series brand and maximizing community benefit.

Staff and Spade agreed to return with a budget breakdown and sponsorship plan and recommended tabling the decision until March 3 to allow the symphony to confirm scheduling and for staff to present financing details. Council concurred with tabling to allow time for answers about who would pay what, revenue projections and sponsorship outreach.

What’s next: Staff will work with Spade Entertainment and the symphony to provide a detailed budget, sponsorship outreach plan and a proposed subsidy schedule for council review at the March meeting.