Title
Discuss Closing of Downtown Streets for the 2017 Arts in Bloom
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Enhance the Quality of Life in McKinney
Direction for Strategic & Economic Growth
MEETING DATE: August 15, 2016
DEPARTMENT: MPAC/Main Street
CONTACT: Amy Rosenthal, MPAC/Main Street Program Director
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION: Discuss 2017 Arts in Bloom
ITEM SUMMARY:
• Staff is recommending that Arts in Bloom be extended from a one-day event to a three-day event (Friday through Sunday).
• Staff is also recommending closing additional streets during the event to allow for a larger event. The street closures proposed would be similar to Home for the Holidays or Oktoberfest.
• Anticipated benefits would include:
o Increased foot traffic to Historic Downtown McKinney
o Increased sponsor visibility
o Additional sponsor revenue, which would be used to provide more advertising & more entertainment / programming
o Less risk of the entire event being rained out
o Increased exposure of McKinney Artists
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Several changes were implemented in 2016, including:
• The streets immediately around the courthouse square were closed for the event.
• Discounted/At-cost opportunities were provided for McKinney Art Groups.
• Live Entertainers were hired for the festival.
• An Event Guide with an artist listing was produced and distributed.
• Showcased Texas Wine Garden.
• The event was profitable!! (Revenue went to July 4 - a non-revenue producing endeavor).
• 65 Artists participated.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY: N/A
BOARD OR COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: N/A