Council to consider contract with MPE for 2026 Tomato Festival after rising performer costs

Director Clemens told the finance committee on Oct. 13 that rising performer and travel costs have increased the expense of booking national entertainment for the Tomato Festival’s 60th anniversary in 2026. Clemens asked council to approve a contract with Media Promotion Enterprise (MPE) to handle booking, stage scheduling and production.

Clemens reported sponsorship revenue growth that the city has used to enhance the festival experience: about $14,000 in sponsorships in 2022, roughly $32,900 in 2024, and about $52,000 in 2025. He said the increased sponsorships recently funded amenities such as a video wall, a drone show and water refill stations, and argued maintaining the contract level would help build on that momentum. "I'd like to maintain that same contract amount just to continue with success and build on that momentum from last year," Clemens said.

Council discussed how members can recommend local performers; the mayor and staff said council can help by suggesting acts and reviewing price ranges. Clemens said festival dates for 2026 are planned for Aug. 13–15, 2026.

Why it matters: The Tomato Festival is a major community event that draws local attendance and sponsorship; contract decisions affect festival programming, costs and vendor/performer selection.

What comes next: Committee forwarded the ordinance to council for a first reading; the city will finalize entertainment bookings as dates and budgets are confirmed.

Provenance: Director Clemens’ presentation and committee motion, SEG 1175–SEG 1231.