Lake Stevens council debates selling Winterfest ornaments, considers CTE partnership and pre-orders

Parks staff presented the City Council on June 2 with options for how the city distributes limited-edition Winterfest ornaments. Staff (identified as Director Garco/Sarah) said the ornaments are a long-standing tradition but that the city is reviewing expenses and revenue options.

Staff described three paths: continue providing a limited number of free ornaments on a first-come, first-served basis; begin selling ornaments at roughly double acquisition cost with proceeds offsetting event expenses; or a hybrid approach that combines a free allocation with pre-orders or donation opportunities. Staff said wooden ornaments have been more popular but more expensive, while acrylic options are cheaper.

Councilmembers raised several operational and equity concerns. Suggestions included reserving 100–150 ornaments to distribute free at the event, offering others for sale (or via pre-order) and placing a donation box to allow those who can to contribute. Councilmembers also proposed partnering with Lake Stevens CTE students to manufacture ornaments as a cost-saving, educational opportunity. One council member noted that if ornaments are given away free one year and then sold the next, public expectation could be affected.

Staff said the city has used a one-per-household guideline in recent years but does not check residency. No formal council vote occurred; staff asked whether direction was sufficient to proceed with planning, and staff will evaluate the approach after year one if implemented.