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Celebration of Lights sold more than 25,000 tickets; cultural arts reports show steady engagement
Summary
Jennifer reported Celebration of Lights sold 25,572 tickets (22,728 scanned), produced roughly $291,107 in total sales, and generated sponsorship and ancillary revenue; cultural arts specialist Dana Degnan reported sold theater tickets and rotating gallery exhibits and said a spring show is under consideration before renovations.
Jennifer provided a post‑season summary of Celebration of Lights to the OCVB board. She said total ticket sales were 25,572 with 22,728 tickets scanned at entry, suggesting about 2,800 purchased but unused tickets. Jennifer reported total sales of approximately $291,107 and gave further breakdowns: train rides revenue ~$1,275, trolleys revenue $14,486 after the partnership payout, sleigh/hay‑wagon revenue $7,815, and total season sponsorships of $18,750.
Jennifer cautioned that high demand around the week of Christmas creates peak congestion and recommended targeted marketing to encourage earlier visits in the season — for example, Thursday specials for trolleys and publishing 'heaviest times' guidance on the website and social channels to smooth attendance.
Dana Degnan, cultural arts specialist, updated the board on theater and gallery activity. She said the winter musical sold 1,254 tickets with total sales of $19,026 and noted that the City Hall and Krekel Civic Center galleries currently show Jeff Bonner's 'Quiet Rebellion' through April, while the Renaud Center hosts Dr. Linda O'Haron's 'Sweetheart's Dream' through April.
Dana said she is working on a scaled‑back spring musical and that the master plan for renovations is complete; the renovation plan must be submitted to city council for approval before major work proceeds.
Board discussion focused on capacity limits, visitor experience and whether marketing should be constrained to avoid overstretching staff and facilities. Jennifer and board members agreed to emphasize off‑peak visitation and provide clearer timing guidance to attendees.
