Special Events Committee has been tasked by the Downtown Improvement Board to prepare an event calendar for 2017. The primary goal for these events is to build on the success and momentum of Gallery Night but with an eye to appealing to attracting shoppers and diners. The below event calendar is not a final decision, however, we do need prompt feedback to finalize the schedule. Please reply with either your support of these ideas or additional suggestions. Additionally, an umbrella brand will be planned for the years schedule. A suggestion is to brand these events as the Downtown Vibe, but they are looking for further input on this topic as well. They are considering these events to take place on a Thursday each month.
January – Evening of Fitness and Health. The theme can be on New Years resolutions educating on fitness and food health. Occurring the same month will be the conclusion of the Lights Festival.
February – Celebrating history and museums. In conjunction with this theme, local flower shops and other Valentines Day focused merchants will be invited to setup in front of the participating museums and historical landmarks.
March – Parking focus. Buy a spot decorating contest. Host a food truck rally or other large gathering in key parking lots to help better identify primary parking areas.
April – Family focused event to promote outdoor activity. Scavenger hunt, passport, outdoor games, performers, tennis classes, music, outdoor movie and other family orientated activities.
May – Mother’s Day. Trunk show, valet parking, music, restaurant specials, wine walk, makeovers.
June – Father’s Day. Bar/Restaurant promotions. Retail discounts/coupons for stores focused on dads. Car show. Fishing weigh-in.
July – Red, White and Blue. All of Palafox military appreciation event. Possible flyover.
August – Summer restaurant week. Football opening event. Invite alumni/booster clubs for a street event. Each team will have a designated area on Palafox in front of participating locations. Invite local professional athletes for signing events in local businesses.
September – Fashion week. Trunk shows, outdoor runway shows, possible pageant show.
October – Halloween event. Expand existing trick-or-treat to include more activities, individual and family contests.
November – Holiday lights event.
December – Full retail event with free parking, valet, street guides with maps
Please reply back with any feedback to help the Special Events Committee finalize the initial plan. The next step will be preliminary budget planning, followed by the more intricate logistics for next years events. The next Special Event Committee meeting is Friday July 8th at 9:00 in room 1 of the Bowden Building 120 Church Street.
Warren Sonnen: wsonnen@gmail.com
Ron Butlin: ronbutlin@downtownpensacola.com