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HomeMy WebLinkAboutcoa.cclc.ag.011514 COMMERCIAL CORE & LODGING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING SISTER CITIES MEETING ROOM January 15, 2014 8:30 A.M. 8:30 I. Roll call and approval of minutes — December 18, 2013 II. Public Comments not on the agenda (please limit your comments to 3 minutes) III. Christkindlmarket update IV. Saturday Market discussion V. Adjourn Christkindlmarket Aspen Memo Date: December 31, 2013 To: CCLC From: ACRA Background: CCLC has been exploring the idea of bringing a Christkindlmarket(Authentic German Christmas Market)to Aspen. The idea developed as success of the Aspen Saturday Market grew; perhaps there would be an opportunity to progress into a winter market. CCLC considered the time of year and recognized that Thanksgiving to early/mid-December was a time period in need of more visitation. In addition, concerns in regard to potentially low levels of snow during early winter were discussed.A need for an alternative visitation-driver was identified. Further examination by CCLC lead to the Christkindlmarket. CCLC's research found that a Christkindlmarket may offer Aspen the opportunity to partner with a successful producer from another market whose experience and relationships with authentic European vendors bring a caliber of respect to the event. The authenticity of the market combined with Aspen itself as a world-class resort, may also have the ability to draw International visitors and the potential to develop into a destination event. CCLC identified Christkindlmarket Chicago as producer for the event in Aspen. In September,ACRA joined CCLC for an informational meeting presented by Maren Beister, Vice President and Managing Director of Christkindlmarket Chicago.ACRA has been working with Maren to provide detailed information on logistics required to produce an event in Aspen, permit requirements, and potential associated costs. Summary: Christl kind lmarket Chicago's proposed desired dates for the event are 11/28/14—12/31/14 and the location they would like for it to take place in is Wagner Park. Beginning in November would allow the market to coincide with World Cup and the market feels that operating through the month of December would offer their vendors the opportunity to make it worth their investment to travel to a new destination. The market prefers the central location of Wagner Park as the best location to maximize visitation. Logistical Highlights to consider: 1.) Proposed dates: -Dates of event also include an additional 5 days of load-in prior to the event&5 days of load-out following event. Wagner Park would be occupied for approx. 45 days(6+weeks)which may present a variety of logistical challenges. Wagner Park may also not be granted permission for use for that length of time. -Challenge may exist if Snow Polo returns to Wagner Park(2013 dates are 12/19-12/20), potentially same time period. -City of Aspen organizes a New Year's Eve Event in Wagner Park. -City of Aspen plans to do construction on Wagner Park in the summer of 2014. If construction does not go as planned, this may affect the ability to host event in Wagner Park. 2.) Liquor License: -Christkindlmarket creates a festive atmosphere in the Grand Timber House and thrives on its ability to sell beer &Gluwein (German mulled wine.)City of Aspen regulations currently do not allow an event a temporary liquor license for that long of a time period. Liquor served in a park must obtain a Special Event Liquor license which is only granted to non-profits. Non-profits are allowed 15 days per calendar year. 3.) Limited Restaurant Resources: Christkindlmarket is open during lunch and dinner and serves a variety of food items. Local restaurants may not have the resources available to participate in the market and maintain normal operations in their restaurants especially at their busiest time of the year. 4.) Capital Investment: Event producers of the Christkindlmarket will require a capital investment from the City of Aspen. This capital investment may potentially include funds for the production of vendor wooden but structures and in-kind City of Aspen resources/services for the event to proceed. Recommendations: ACRA recognizes the Christkindlmarket is potentially a good way to drive visitation during the early winter need period and recommends under the following considerations: 1.) The Christkindlmarket take place in Rio Grande Park. City Council may be more receptive to allowing it to take place in Rio Grande especially for that significant amount of time. Logistically the impact is less in a variety of ways including street closures(particularly those that effect fronts of hotel properties, especially around the holidays), RFTA re-routing, community citizens that use the park, potential conflicts with existing events(Snow Polo&New Year's Eve), etc. 2.) Dates of the event be reduced to approximately 11/28/14—12/14/14. Produce the first year to test the dates of the need period. Christmas and New Year's weeks already experience high visitation numbers and City resources are greatly impacted over the holidays. 3.) Limit the amount of food vendors at the market to address concern of local restaurateurs. Utilize event as opportunity to draw people to Aspen and drive business into existing restaurants. 4.) Chrsitkindlmarket hire a local event management company to assist in the production of the event.Aspen has many regulations unique to itself and does not normally host events for that length of time. Logistical challenges and existing permit regulations will need to be over-come to make this event happen.ACRA is willing to contract with the market. 5.) For this event to move forward and be successful,the City of Aspen will need to be a willing and participating partner. With-out the support of the City and working in partnership with them,the event may face a magnitude of up-hill challenges(such as existing permit regulations). The City must want the market to take place and display its desire for it prior to executing any aspect of the event.