BACKGROUND:
In 2022, Grizzly Entertainment offered a drone show in exchange for the city receiving the show as a gift valued at $50,000. They performed the show successfully on November 18, 2022, and returned to do a similar show at our annual Cathedral City LGBT Days event. The 200-drone unit light show would take place at the Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival on Friday, November 17, 2023. The purpose of the donation would be for the benefit of the public’s entertainment and to enhance the quality of programming for the Cathedral City Hot Air Balloon Festival.
DISCUSSION:
The 9th annual Cathedral City Hot Air Balloon Festival, named one of the best balloon festivals in the world by U.S. News & World Report, continues to be one of the most popular fall events in the Coachella Valley.
The drone show would be located at a site to be determined in Downtown Cathedral City (the 13.5 acres utilized in 2022 is now the site of the Cathedral Cove development).
The City will need to use either citizens on patrol or police officers to control access into the area during rehearsal (November 15-16), as well as the actual show on Friday, November 17, 2023. The drones have minimal noise, especially in comparison to fireworks, and Grizzly Entertainment will list the city and Fantasy Balloon Flights, our third-party contractor, as 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 along the flight path for airplanes landing or taking off at the airport.
FISCAL IMPACT:
With the City accepting the gift from Grizzly Entertainment in the amount of $50,000, there will be departmental in-kind costs both during rehearsals and the show.
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:
Action F-6: Promote additional community events and celebrations.