BACKGROUND:
In spring 2022, Communications & Events was contacted by Grizzly Entertainment to offer a drone show in exchange for the city receiving the show as a gift valued at $45,000. The 200-drone unit light show took place at the Cathedral City Hot Air Balloon Festival on Friday, Nov. 18, 2022. They have offered the same for Cathedral City LGBT Days on Friday, March 3, 2023. The purpose of the donation would be for the benefit of the public’s entertainment and to enhance the quality of programming for one of the City’s signature events.
DISCUSSION:
As California’s first Pride event of the year, the 7th annual Cathedral City LGBT Days brings together numerous LGBTQ+ celebrities, artists, media, community leaders, Coachella Valley residents, and visitors for an unforgettable weekend of live entertainment, community engagement, and fun activities from March 3 – 5, 2023.
The drone show would be located above the 13.5 acres across from the Agua Caliente Casino in Cathedral City. This is the location where the city has shot off fireworks in the past for previous events. We will need to use either citizens on patrol or police officers from getting into the area during rehearsal (March 1-2), as well as the actual show on Friday, March 3, 2023. The drones have minimal noise, especially in comparison to fireworks, and Grizzly Entertainment will list the city and SoundSkilz, our third-party contractor, as an additional insured entities for coverage during the show.
The show lasts 10 minutes and has been a popular addition at many events around the globe. Grizzly Entertainment will be responsible for receiving all permits and approvals from the Palm Springs International Airport, as this is a flight path for airplanes landing or taking off at the airport.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The City accepting the gift from Grizzly Entertainment in the amount of $45,000 and departmental in-kind costs both during rehearsals and the show.