SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve a High Impact Funding request in an amount not to exceed $30,000 for The Market Marie, at Coachman Park, occurring monthly from June 2026 through May 2027, with a presentation to include an event recap of Market Marie from June 2025 through February 2026.
Body
SUMMARY:
The Market Marie hosts a monthly market on the second Saturday of each month at Coachman Park, showcasing 130+ locally owned vendors and artisans. The market is designed to support small businesses, foster community connection, and activate downtown Clearwater through consistent, high-quality public programming.
Market Marie maintains a detailed vendor application and selection process to ensure quality, diversity, and local ownership. All events are free to attend, family-friendly, pet-friendly, and inclusive, welcoming residents, visitors, and businesses of all backgrounds.
Event Details:
• Frequency: Monthly (Second Saturday of each month)
• Dates:
o June 13, July 11, August 8, September 12, October 10, November 14, December 12, 2026
o January 9, February 13, March 13, April 10, May 8, 2027
• Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
• Location: Coachman Park
• Number of Events: 12 events
• Expected Attendance: 130+ vendors per event with consistent community attendance
Event Highlights:
• 130+ local small businesses, artisans, and makers
• Fresh produce, handmade goods, and unique local products
• Rotating food trucks and dessert vendors
• Live music and entertainment
• Family-friendly activities including bounce houses, face painting, and interactive programming
• Community-focused features such as pet adoptions in partnership with local rescues
MARKETING & OUTREACH:
• Ongoing promotion through social media, email marketing, and vendor cross-promotion
• Community outreach and partnerships with local businesses and organizations
• Consistent branding and monthly visibility that reinforces downtown Clearwater as an active community hub
SOCIAL MEDIA INFORMATION:
• Instagram: TheMarketMarie
• Facebook: TheMarketMarie
• Website: www.TheMarketMarie.com
THE MARKET MARIE BUDGET & FUNDING CALCULATION:
*The applicant was previously awarded funding in the amount of $30,000 to support The Market Marie monthly market series for the period of June 2025 through May 2026.
• Total Expenses (12 Months): $164,320
• Total Revenue (12 months): $ 121,806
o Vendor Fees: $70 (10x10 tent)/$140 (10x20 tent)
• Calculation for DDB Funding Request:
o Total Expenses - Total Revenue = $42,514
• Applicant’s Funding Request: $39,040 (this is the applicant funding request for the period of June 2025 through May 2026)
• Staff Recommendation: $30,000
PLACER Ai Data for June 2025- March 2026:
|
June 14th 2,400 |
July 12th 2,200 |
August 9th 2,600 |
|
September 13th 2,800 |
October 11th 3,000 |
November 8th 2,700 |
|
December 13th 3,300 |
January 10th 5,300 |
February 14th 3,000 |
|
March 14th 2,100 |
|
|
For the ten completed events that is a total of 29,400 attendees, which averages 2,940 per event.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of funding not to exceed $30,000 for The Market Marie monthly market series from June 2026 through May 2027 to support eligible recurring event costs. This applicant meets the High Impact Event Funding criteria, as the funding request does not exceed $30,000, the event is expected to attract more than 2,000 attendees, and it is free and open to the public. The applicant is an established event organizer with at least two years of experience producing large-scale events, defined as those exceeding 2,000 attendees, and contributes at least 20% of the total estimated event cost, including third-party sponsorships.
Pending board approval, Unimex will work with staff to complete a grant agreement that outlines the details of their event and the marketing benefits for the DDB as part of their grant agreement.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding for this request is available in cost code 1829411-558600, DDB Marketing during FY ’26 and FY ‘27.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
2.1 Strengthen public-private initiatives that attract, develop, and retain diversified business sectors.
2.2 Cultivate a business climate that welcomes entrepreneurship, inspires local investment, and supports small businesses.
2.3 Promote Clearwater as a premier destination for community events, cultural experiences, and waterfront activation.
