SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve a Community Event Funding request from Clearwater Sister Cities, Inc. to produce Clearwater Illuminations: Lantern Festival and International Night Market at Coachman Park on December 6, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $13,000.
Body
SUMMARY:
Clearwater Sister Cities, Inc. is requesting $13,000 in Community Event Funding for Clearwater Illuminations: Lantern Festival & International Night Market, a cultural event scheduled for December 6, 2026, at Coachman Park from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The event will feature international cultural experiences, a lantern festival, and an international night market. The applicant estimates approximately 1,500 attendees.
Funding Request:
• Total Event Budget: $45,500.00
• Applicant Contribution: $9,000.00
• Third-Party Contributions: $22,000.00
• DDB Funding Requested: $13,000.00
DDB Community Event Funding Criteria:
The application meets the eligibility requirements for Community Event Funding, including:
• Funding request not to exceed $15,000
• Estimated attendance of 300 or more
• Event must be free and open to the public
• Applicants’ contribution is 20% of total event estimated cost.
Staff Recommendation:
The application meets the Community Event Funding requirements. Staff recommends approval of the requested funding in an amount not to exceed $13,000.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding for this grant will be allocated from the FY 2026/27 DDB Budget line 1829411-558600, Marketing.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
2.3 Promote Clearwater as a premier destination for entertainment, cultural experiences, tourism, and national sporting events.
3.1 Support neighborhood identity through services and programs that empower community pride and belonging.