Title
Supervisor Thomas recommending the Board:
1) Find that a public benefit is derived from supporting funding towards “The Hometown Holiday/Christmas Celebration" in the City of Placerville that includes the annual tree lighting on Main Street; and
2) Approve and authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to sign a funding agreement, consistent with the County's standard form and upon the approval of County Counsel, authorize payment of the $5,000 community funding contribution to the El Dorado Community Foundation, in support of the tradition.
FUNDING: General Fund.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
Downtown Placerville has a long-standing and beloved community tradition on Historic Main Street. Traditionally held the Friday night after Thanksgiving, this celebration officially launches the holiday season in Placerville including a tree lighting ceremony, the reveal of the lit Christmas trees on Highway 50 and the reminder to the public of the importance of supporting local merchants in their retail shopping. While this holiday tradition has undergone many different iterations and multiple entities have generously stepped up to collaborate with the City of Placerville to host it, the fundamental celebration is an important part of the fabric of our community.
In the winter storms of 2022-23, Placerville’s long-standing Christmas tree at the corner of Bedford and Main was irrevocably damaged. The El Dorado Community Foundation stepped in this year to work with the City of Placerville to support the tree lighting ceremony and holiday beautification of Historic Main Street. Recognizing that a cut tree by the Bell Tower was a marked departure from tradition, the El Dorado Community Foundation worked with the City and local merchants on a Hometown Holiday/Christmas celebration that would evoke a celebratory atmosphere to support goodwill and holiday cheer with a clear message that Placerville “is alive with business and beautiful”. In addition to traditional ...
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