HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - April 2, 2003 E-12CITY OF LODI
The event has been very well received over its nine year life. When it appeared that the e of July
fireworks show was in jeopardy of being suspended or terminated all together, a local group of concerned
citizens formed an organization called Lodi Events, Inc. After running the event for 2 years, under the
guidance of Gamut Promotions & Advertising, Inc., the event "ownership" was transferred to the Lodi
Tokay Rotary Club, Steven Whyte, owner of WhyteHouse Productions has been retained to produce the
event since its inception - he was an employee of Gamut Promotions & Advertising, Inc. when the event
was started.
The event annually strives to provide many activities during the event at no cost the public. Free games,
rides, -face, painting, balloon art, boat rentals, beach access, swimming, river tours, live entertainment and
of course, the aerial fireworks show. In 2002 we added the Barbecue Cook -Off Competition and a Bath
Tub Regatta. Both activities will continue in 2003. A spectacular sky diving exhibition was also added in
2002 and was incredibly well received by the public. This too will be continued in 2003, The Lodi Tokay
Rotary Club puts on a mouth watering barbecue that day, called the Firecracker BBC. There is an
additional cost for this and is well worth it for the nearly 300 - 400 people who attend. Approximately
10,000 people attend the event throughout the day. Lodi Tokay Rotary Club and Oooh Ahhh Festival
share the park with the Sunrise Kiwanis Club and their Pancake Breakfast.
The aerial fireworks show exceeds everyone's expectations each year and always leaves the audience in
awe and wonder, The past two years we have played a musical soundtrack to accompany the fireworks.
Revenue sources for the event come from Admission ($5 for ages 13 and over; $3 for ages 6 to 12; and 5
and under are always free); vendor space sales; City of Lodi contribution for the fireworks show;
Firecracker E3BQ; BBQ Cook -Off Competition; Bath Tub Regatta; parking; patriotic merchandise sales; and
Corporate Sponsorship Sales.
APPROVED:
H.�4'lxon Flynn -- Ctty Manager
UTY oF LODI
MIM ..
This past year's Oooh Ahhh Festival contributed over $7,000 to local non-profit organizations who assisted
in the staffing of the event and additionally, contributed nearly $30,000 to the Lodi Tokay Rotary Club to
distribute to worthy non-profit organizations throughout the year.
This event is a shining example of what is good in the Lodi Community. It is more than mere
entertainment. It lifts people's spirits, brings people together, celebrates our Nation's birthday, and
benefits many, non-profit organizations. We appreciate the City of Lodi's support over these past nine
years and we look forward to earning your continued support.
111011111111 1111 Jill, Jill
Respectfully submitted,
APPROVED',
H.DixonFlynn -- CityManager