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Fullerton City Council
Agenda Report
Fullerton City Council
MEETING DATE: FEBRUARY 18, 2025
TO: CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR AGENCY SUBMITTED BY: DAISY PEREZ, DEPUTY CITY MANAGER PREPARED BY: CHRISTIAN HERNANDEZ, PARKS AND RECREATION MANAGER SUBJECT: PROPOSED 2025 PARKS AND RECREATION SPECIAL EVENT CALENDAR
SUMMARY
The Parks and Recreation Department seeks approval for the proposed 2025 Special Event Calendar. The Parks and Recreation Commission met on February 10, 2025 and recommended the proposed 2025 Special Event Calendar, including a 4th of July parade and daytime festival and enhanced budget for a Veterans Day event.
PROPOSED MOTION
Review and approve the 2025 Special Event Calendar with proposed budget and proposed 4th of July event (4th of July parade and daytime festival on July 4th).
ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS
Approve the Proposed Motion
Review and approve the 2025 Special Event Calendar with the proposed budget and one of the following proposed 4th of July events:
-4th of July Farmers Market Themed Event on July 3rd
-4th of July Parade on July 4th
-4th of July Festival with Fireworks on July 3rd
-No 4th of July event for 2025
Direct staff to explore alternative events, including a different scope for the 4th of July event Other options brought by City Council.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the Proposed Motion.
CITY MANAGER REMARKS
None.
PRIORITY POLICY STATEMENT
This item matches the following Priority Policy Statement:
Infrastructure and City Assets.
FISCAL IMPACT
Staff has either allocated funds in the current budget or will request funding in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget. The following breaks down costs per option:
Budget Breakdown
4th of July Event Budget
Total 2025
Event Budget
General
Fund
Grant
Funded
Brea Dam Fund
Option A
$ 20,000.00
$ 414,000.00
$ 344,000.00
$ 25,000.00
$ 45,000.00
Option B
$ 50,000.00
$ 444,000.00
$ 374,000.00
$ 25,000.00
$ 45,000.00
Option C
$ 195,000.00
$ 589,000.00
$ 519,000.00
$ 25,000.00
$ 45,000.00
Option D
$ 75,000.00
$ 469,000.00
$ 399,000.00
$ 25,000.00
$ 45,000.00
Option E
$ -
$ 394,000.00
$ 324,000.00
$ 25,000.00
$ 45,000.00
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
Staff provides numerous special events throughout the year ranging from community-wide large events, such as the Fourth of July and First Night, to smaller neighborhood events, such as Pup-toberfest and the Concerts in the Park series. Parks and Recreation Department staff coordinate all city events.
The attached calendar proposes 14 special events for the 2025 calendar year. These events would occur throughout the City of Fullerton, primarily free for the public to attend. The current fiscal year budget has funding for a few events, however, the City not yet budgeted for events scheduled after June 30, 2025.
The following provides descriptions for each proposed special event:
Community Yard Sale
Date: Saturday, March 15, 2025
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location: Independence Park (parking lot)
Cost: $25.00 per space for residents and $35 for non-residents Event Budget: $2,000 (General Fund)
This event would allow the community to shop and/or sell items while allowing residents to declutter and sell unwanted items at a safe and friendly location. The City would provide space, restrooms and event marketing.
Fishing Day
Date: March 22, 2025
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Laguna Lake
Cost: Free
Event Budget: $3,000 (Private Donation)
The Fishing Derby would teach youth how to fish while having fun. This morning event would feature activities, food trucks, raffles and crafts. This event would require registration.
Thursday Night Farmers Markets
Date: Thursdays, April 4 through August 28, 2025
Time: 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Fullerton Plaza
Cost: Varies per vendor category
Event Budget: $105,000 (General Fund)
Downtown Fullerton Farmers Market returns for another season of food, farmers and commercial vendors, live music, face painting and a kid’s bounce house.
Eggstravaganza
Date: Saturday, April 19, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: Hunt Library
Cost: Free
Event Budget: $10,000 (Hunt Programming Grant)
A family fun event including photos with the spring bunny, music, food vendors, a children’s egg hunt, bounce houses, face painting and entertainment.
Food Festival
Date: June 28, 2025
Time: TBD
Location: Hunt Library
Cost: TBD
Event Budget: $5,000 (Hunt Programming Grant)
The Food Festival would feature food from around the world along with live music, performances and cooking demonstrations. This event would highlight the foods in Fullerton and throughout the world. 4th of July
Date: TBD
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Cost: Free to attend
Event Budget: Plan A - $20,000; Plan B - $50,000; Plan C – $195,000; Plan D - $75,000 (General Fund); Plan E – No additional cost Plan A: The 4th of July celebration would take place on Thursday, July 3 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Downtown Fullerton Farmers Market with an “Independence Day” theme including community games at the stage, a live band, food vendors and additional food trucks. Staff does not propose fireworks with this option.
Plan B: The City of Fullerton would host a 4th of July Parade starting at the Orange County Courthouse to the Downtown Plaza area between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. featuring music school bands from local schools, City departments, bike organizations, councils and commissions and more. Staff does not propose fireworks for this event as local fireworks companies do not have technicians available on July 4, 2025.
Plan C: The 4th of July celebration would occur on Thursday, July 3 between 2:00 and 9:00 p.m. in the Downtown area including a car show, festival with games and rides, live band entertainment and a 20-minute fireworks show at 9:00 p.m.
Plan D: The City would host a 4th of July Parade starting at the Orange County Courthouse to the Downtown Plaza area between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. with music school bands by local schools, fire departments, police departments, bike organizations, councils and commissions and more. A daytime festival would follow the parade between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at the Downtown Plaza, including live music, kids activities, contests and inflatables. Staff does not propose fireworks proposed for this event as local fireworks companies do not have technicians available on July 4, 2025.
Plan E: No 4th of July event.
Movies in the Park
Date: Wednesdays, July 2 through 30, 2025
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Various Parks
Cost: Free
Event Budget: $10,000 (General Fund)
The City would show family-friendly movies on a movie screen at various parks each week in July with free admission. Staff would arrange to have food trucks at the event for food purchase.
Friday Night Live Concerts
Date: Fridays, August 1 through 29, 2025
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Fullerton Sports Complex
Cost: Free
Event Budget: $35,000 (Brea Dam Fund)
Family fun concerts with live bands. Attendees can bring their own lawn chairs to enjoy free music and dancing. Food trucks on site for food purchase.
Pup-Toberfest
Date: October 11, 2025
Time: 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Hunt Library
Cost: Free
Event Budget: $7,000 (Hunt Programming Grant)
Puptoberfest is a family-friendly event featuring dog breed races with categories for small, medium and large breeds and unique races for puppies and dogs in costume. Attendees can enjoy food trucks, kids’ activities, vendors and more.
OktoBOOfest
Date: Thursday, October 30, 2025
Time: 4:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Downtown Plaza
Cost: Free
Event Budget: $2,000 (General Fund)
Downtown Fullerton Farmers Market returns for another night of food, farmers and commercial vendors, live music, face painting and a bounce house for kids. Attendees can participate in a costume parade and trick or treating.
Turkey Trot 5k
Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Laguna Lake or Fullerton Sports Complex
Cost : $40 registration fee
Event Budget: $10,000 (General Fund or Brea Dam Fund)
The City will host the first Turkey Trot 5K to bring health and fitness awareness during the holiday season. The event will also feature vendors, a DJ and free class warmups before the race provided by Fullerton fitness class instructors.
Veterans Day Celebration
Date: November 11, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Hillcrest Park Great Lawn
Cost: Free
Event Budget : $20,000 (General Fund)
The City would hold a ceremony to honor those who served our country through military service, including a guest speaker, a potential parade, a patriotic performance and a gun salute.
Tree Lighting Ceremony
Date: December 5, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: City Hall
Cost: Free
Event Budget: $10,000 (General Fund)
Enjoy a festive evening celebrating the holiday season including photo opportunities with Santa, face painting, kids activities, performances and vendors.
First Night Celebration
Date: Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. to Midnight
Location: Fullerton Plaza
Cost: Free
Event Budget: $175,000 (General Fund)
The City of Fullerton New Year’s Eve celebration offers a family-friendly event on December 31, 2025 from 7:00 p.m. to midnight in the heart of historic Downtown Fullerton. Residents and visitors of all ages can join the festivities including live entertainment, exciting attractions, delicious food and community fun. The Harbor Boulevard closure allows attendees to stroll freely through Downtown Fullerton’s charming historic storefronts, bars and restaurants. This pedestrian-friendly experience adds to the festive atmosphere and makes First Night one of the most cherished traditions in the community.
The comprehensive calendar of events provides an opportunity for the community of Fullerton to participate and celebrate in Fullerton.
Attachments:
Attachment 1 – Special Event Presentation
cc: City Manager Eric J. Levitt
2025 Parks and Recreation Special Event Calendar
February 18, 2025 - Page 2