Item #05
Date: February 17, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Dan Flores, Community & Economic Development Director Jim Schaad, City Manager
Subject: Consideration of Budget Proposals for three City-Sponsored Special Events in Calendar Year 2026.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Pass a Motion to 1) receive and review the proposed budget summaries for three (3) City-sponsored events scheduled for 2026, 2) approve the proposed budgets for the July 4th Fireworks Show, 26th Annual Marysville Peach Festival, and 75th Annual Marysville Christmas Parade, which are included within an existing three-year services agreement, and 3) provide approval and authorization to proceed with contracting and event planning consistent with Council direction.
BACKGROUND
The City of Marysville has a long-standing tradition of hosting and supporting community events that celebrate the City’s history, culture, and civic pride. These events serve as important opportunities for community engagement, tourism promotion, and economic activity within the downtown and surrounding areas, with more than half of D Street businesses reporting that the Marysville Peach Festival is their biggest sales weekend of the year.
For Calendar Year 2026, staff is presenting three separate event budgets for Council consideration:
1. July 4th Fireworks Show – America’s 250th Birthday Celebration
2. 26th Annual Marysville Peach Festival - July 17-18, 2026
3. 75th Annual Marysville Christmas Parade - December 5, 2026 Detailed budget proposals for each event are attached to this staff report.
Discussion:
1. July 3rd Fireworks Show and July 4th Drone Show – America’s 250th Birthday The 2026 Independence Day weekend carries added national significance, as it coincides with the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. The fireworks event has historically drawn large attendance and Item #05
regional visibility for Marysville. This year, we are adding a drone show to take place on July 4th at the Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds.
The proposed 2026 budget reflects both the enhanced scope of the national milestone, including additional celebrations related to the City of Marysville’s 175th birthday and the City’s continued commitment to a safe, highquality Independence Day celebration.
2. 26th Annual Marysville Peach Festival
The Marysville Peach Festival remains one of the City’s signature annual events, celebrating the region’s agricultural heritage and drawing visitors from throughout the region. The proposed budget for the 26th annual event reflects continuity with prior years, with adjustments for operational costs and event enhancements, including a third stage (near the intersection of 6th & D Streets) as outlined in the attached proposal.
3. 75th Annual Marysville Christmas Parade & Christmas Tree Lighting The 2026 Christmas Parade marks the 75th anniversary of this long-standing community tradition. This milestone provides an opportunity to celebrate the parade’s roots and history while maintaining the family-friendly and community-focused character of the event.
CONTRACTUAL CONTEXT
The budgets for the following three events are part of an ongoing three-year professional services agreement with Sapphire Marketing Group, previously approved by City Council:
● July 4th Fireworks Show
● Marysville Peach Festival
● Marysville Christmas Parade
The proposed 2026 budgets are consistent with the terms and scope of that agreement.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City’s FY 2026 adopted budget appropriated $70,000 (account #10-110-5255) for Peach Festival expenses as a contingency if revenues were not collected as anticipated. As per the submitted proposed budget from Sapphire Marketing, anticipated Peach Festival expenses do not exceed the FY 2026 budget appropriation.
Fiscal impacts for each event are detailed in the attached budget proposals. Funding sources, sponsorship contributions, and anticipated City costs are outlined individually for each event. Approval of the recommended action will authorize expenditures consistent with adopted budgets and Council direction.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Proposed Budget – July 3rd & 4th Fireworks/Drone Shows (America’s 250th Birthday)
2. Proposed Budget – 26th Annual Marysville Peach Festival
3. Proposed Budget – 75th Annual Marysville Christmas Parade Item #05