The Draw Summer Event Series

The purpose of this case is to highlight the park participation trends relative to activity at The Draw, outline the plans for 2014 - and also seek sponsorship of one concert by the Housing and Redevelopment Authority.

In brief, concert attendance was up 30% in 2013 over 2012.  And for 2014 a similar trend may be expected - due in part to a significant upgrade in performers (no low-cost 'amateurs') scheduled by the City of Ramsey Foundation for this next season.  

Staff feels that The Draw Summer Event Series is certainly a meaningful, recreational and communal activity for residents, but also one with a favorable economic impact.  The endeavor is also an example of successful collaboration between the Ramsey Foundation and the City in the delivery of Free recreation for residents (concerts paid for by sponsors) – and at the same time, builds a sense of community.  Additionally, by having the Farmer’s Market at the same venue, it provides an opportunity for residents to obtain healthy, locally grown foods – all-the-while supporting small businesses that sponsor the events, the concessionaire, the growers and vendors at the market, as well as the performers.

As it relates to economic development, it is believed that, the concert and companion market encourages people to keep more of their purchases local (as well as locally grown) – and builds familiarity with The COR, with its attendant businesses.   While about 10% of the concert attendees’ bike or walk to the events, most do not.  During the summer of 2013, Staff took traffic counts (of autos) on a ‘normal’ Wednesday and also on the following Thursday (Farmer's Market and concert night) around The Draw.  Approximately 968 more vehicles were tallied coming into The COR as a result of the market and concert.  Extrapolating to an average of 2 persons per vehicle + bicyclists’ and pedestrians results in approximately 2,000 park patrons for programmed Thursdays. 

The above may be an example of park facilities functioning not only as a place to recreate, but also as an element of sustainable economic development, and supporting the mission's of the HRA and Economic Development Authority.  As introduced earlier, the subject of this case is to request HRA's sponsorship of a concert night, similar to what has been done the last four years.
 
At the Foundation's February meeting, a check for $1,000 was contributed by the Ramsey Rotary for The Draw Summer Event Series, which in effect begins the 2014 sponsorship activity.  Staff has requested that August 7th be reserved tentatively for the HRA's sponsorship consideration.  While there is no assurance of good weather, the evening concert may be very popular due to the combination of factors: weekly attendance generally rises through the summer, and as mentioned, the season's acts are of a 'higher' caliber than previous years - which should build enthusiasm.  Additionally, this will be the first time Ramsey has hosted a Beatles tribute band ('Rubber Soul').  This group agreed to lessor price point than normal ($1,500) as a one-time courtesy, and to market themselves to the north metro. 

Attached is the draft 2014 Summer Events Series flyer, and also the 2013 wrap-up PowerPoint presentation to the Park and Recreation Commission.

Please see below.

As a concert sponsorship was factored within the HRA's 2014 approved budget, a $1,500 contribution to the City of Ramsey Foundation is recommended by Staff for the aforementioned August 7th event.

Motion to approve/not approve a $1,500 expenditure for a performance on August 7th, 2014 at The Draw.