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Entrepreneurs propose ‘Cajun Swing Fest’ in Port Arthur, ask city for permits, security and marketing help
Summary
A Houston-based events company pitched a ticketed Cajun Swing Festival for Port Arthur, projecting about 2,500 attendees and proposing a profit-split with the city; council urged organizers to work with city staff on policing, inspections and logistics.
A Houston-based promoter asked Port Arthur city leaders on Feb. 24 to approve a new annual "Cajun Swing Fest" to celebrate the city's Cajun music and culinary heritage.
Chad Cassey, founder of Field Ace LLC (doing business as Field Dates), told the City Council the event would be a single Saturday family day (11 a.m.-6 p.m.) with an optional adult nightlife program (7 p.m.-midnight), crawfish vendors, games and live music. He said the company has produced similar events in Houston and at multiple Texas colleges and school districts.
Cassey gave a detailed operations plan and revenue projection. He proposed general-admission tickets at $25, youth tickets at $15-$20 and premium-activation tickets at about $40; vendor fees were estimated at $100-$150 per vendor. With sponsors and on-site alcohol sales (Cassey estimated roughly 2.5 drinks per adult at $10 each), the presenters projected gross revenue near $152,470 and proposed a 60/40 profit split (Field Dates/city).
Council members welcomed the idea but pressed organizers on city costs and safety. Councilmember Ken Law and others asked the presenters to confirm whether police and EMS would be provided by the city or contracted and warned that the policing estimate (about one officer per 100 people, per the presenters) could create overtime or other taxpayer costs. They also asked about vendor inspections, water supply and trash management.
Cassey said Field Dates would supply rides, premium attractions, staffing, ticketing and a $1 million insurance policy; the organizers requested that the city assist with venue approval, permits, marketing, volunteer recruitment, police and EMS presence and utilities.
The mayor asked that the organizers meet with the city manager and staff to identify a venue and confirm which costs the city would assume or could offset through sponsorships. Council moved to extend the presenters' time so they could finish their proposal; several council members expressed support contingent on organizers producing final logistics, insurance and policing plans.
Next steps: Council directed organizers to work with the city manager and staff to develop a venue plan, public-safety staffing and a detailed budget before any formal agreement or permit issuance.
