BACKGROUND:
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 approximately $50,000. The 200-drone unit light show took place at the Cathedral City Hot Air Balloon Festival in both 2022 and 2023, as well as LGBT Days 2023. They have offered the same for Cathedral City LGBT Days on Saturday, March 9, 2024. 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 8th annual Cathedral City LGBT Days, presented by Agua Caliente Casinos, 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 8 – 10, 2024.
The drone show would be located at the same site as the 2023 Balloon Festival (the
13.5 acres utilized in 2023 LGBT Days is now the site of the Cathedral Cove development), which is located closer to the Cathedral City Senior Center and offers better sightlines for viewing inside the amphitheater. The City will need to use either citizens on patrol or police officers to control access into the area during rehearsal (March 6-7), as well as the actual show on Saturday, March 9, 2024, before comedian River Butcher performs at the Agua Caliente Casino in Cathedral City. The drones have minimal noise, especially in comparison to fireworks, and Grizzly Entertainment will list the city and SoundSkilz, 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 a flight path for airplanes landing or taking off at the airport.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The City would be accepting the gift from Grizzly Entertainment in the amount of $50,000 and departmental in-kind costs both during rehearsals and the show.
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:
Action F-6: Promote additional community events and celebrations.