Holiday Event
One of Timnath's most treasured events has outgrown its location, causing verifiable risks to safety and accessibility. The Town is very aware of how much the community loves and appreciates this event, so we've asked for your input to help us figure out how we can develop an event that ensures we celebrate the holiday season safely and joyfully.
After four weeks of surveying in March and April 2024, where we sought your input on a fresh take on our holiday festivities, given the need to move beyond the previous venue due to safety and space concerns, a remarkable turnout of over 180 Timnath residents weighed in, with an impressive 69% favoring pivoting to a daytime holiday festival at Timnath Community Park.
FAQs
Why can't we just keep the event as is?
Please take a moment to review the Overview section of this web page for details regarding safety and accessibility concerns related to the event space, event parking, and lighting and equipment.
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Are the safety concerns really enough to make these big changes?
Unfortunately, yes. In addition to relying on the expertise of career event planners, we've consulted our safety partners (Poudre Fire Authority, UC Health First Responders, and Timnath Police). The analysis shows that the event has simply outgrown its venue and cannot proceed as is.
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Are these changes a result of budget cuts? If so, can't we just charge admission fees?
The primary reasons for changes to this event are safety and accessibility concerns.
During the 2024 Budget discussion, Town Council decided to allocate $61,000 to the Holiday Event. During this discussion, staff shared their concerns and anticipation that the Town would be forced to reimagine the event. As a result, the Holiday Event budget is lower than 2023, but ample to cover the alternative options in the survey.
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Does this mean there will be no event in Old Town?
Not necessarily. The event as it used to exist will not take place in Old Town. However, the survey provides an alternative event option to draw people to Old Town by hosting Santa photos in that location. Additionally, a few Old Town businesses have expressed an interest in working together to develop additional alternatives.
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Can you tell me more about each of the alternative event options provided in the survey?
Winter Parade
- takes place during daylight hours, eliminating the need for lights
- disperses crowds by spreading spectators along parade route
- eliminates pressure on downtown parking
- engages schools, community groups, business and residents as parade participants
- does not bring people to Old Town
Winter Festival at Community Park
- takes place during daylight hours, eliminating the need for lights
- moves event to a location that is designed to host larger crowds
- eliminates pressure on downtown parking
- does not bring people to Old Town
- most closely resembles previous Holiday Lighting Event
Santa Photos in Old Town
- takes place during daylight hours, eliminating the need for lights
- lessons pressure on downtown parking as the event only offers photos with Santa
- brings people to Old Town
Colorado Youth Outdoors Winter Wonderland (complimentary ticket for residents)*
- takes place over a longer period of time where residents can attend based on their own schedules
- eliminates pressure on downtown parking
- does not bring people to Old Town
- continues tradition started in 2020
*If, through this survey, the Timnath community decides that Colorado Youth Outdoors Winter Wonderland option is not a high priority, Timnath residents will have to pay an entry fee similar to other communities.
Who's Listening
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Event Manager
Thank you for your contribution!
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