Parks, Recreation, and Community Services
www.santa-ana.gov/parks
Item # 17
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Staff Report
August 4, 2026
TOPIC: Carnival Services
AGENDA TITLE
Agreement with The Pumpkin Factory, LLC for Carnival Services (Specification No. 26- 017) (General Fund)
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with The Pumpkin Factory, LLC to provide Carnival Services for a term beginning August 4, 2026 and expiring July 31, 2027, with provisions up to four (4), one-year extensions (Agreement No. A-2026-XXX).
GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES: Yes
DISCUSSION
The Fiestas Patrias event is the City’s most anticipated celebration with thousands of visitors attending each year. Celebrating each culture though food and performances are integral parts of the festivities. Another key component to this celebration are carnival rides that residents have come to enjoy each year. Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Agency (PRCSA) recreational staff recognized the need to continue providing carnival rides to the Fiestas Patrias events and sought out a vendor to fulfill this need.
Request for Proposals (RFP) No. 26-017 was issued on February 26, 2026 on the City’s online bid management and publication system. A summary of vendor participation and results is as follows:
335 Vendors notified
21 Santa Ana vendors notified
24 Vendors downloaded the RFP packet
2 Responsive proposals received
0 Responsive proposals received from Santa Ana vendors
Proposals were solicited, opened on March 26, 2026, and evaluated. Two proposals were received by the RFP deadline and were determined to be responsive to the specifications and met the City's requirements. An evaluation committee reviewed and rated the proposals according to the criteria listed in the RFP.
Carnival Services
August 4, 2026
5 9
4 3
The Pumpkin Factory, LLC’s proposal illustrated a cohesive and consistent team dedicated to providing the best experience in carnival rides. They bring a lengthy history of providing carnival rides throughout Southern California with a large variety of games and rides on offer. The City has also previously worked with the vendor on 2025’s Fiestas Patrias event. Their demonstrated expertise and focus on safety relay a strong commitment to ensuring Santa Ana residents have an enjoyable experience.
Staff recommends awarding an agreement to the highest-ranked firm, The Pumpkin Factory, LLC. The firm has been deemed the best in safety and entertainment. The City will collect 35% of all ticket revenue that is generated through ticket sales for the carnival rides and games provided.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
There is no environmental impact associated with this action.
FISCAL IMPACT
The agreement will generate revenue to the City through the sum of thirty-five (35%) of gross ticket sales for the event. The fees charged from the agreement will be deposited into the General Fund Revenue Account 01113002-57010.
EXHIBIT(S)
1. Agreement with The Pumpkin Factory, LLC
Submitted By: Kathryn Downs, Assistant City Manager
Timothy Pagano, Deputy Director of Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Agency
Approved By: Alvaro Nuñez, City Manager