CASE Committee Packet Materials 2025.09.16970-748-4065 ddempsey@avon.org
TO: CASE Committee FROM: Danita Dempsey, Chief Cultural Officer
RE: Staff Update
DATE: September 16, 2025
OPENING COMMENTS: The 2025 event season met with community enthusiasm for gathering with friends
and family in a familiar setting! The CASE Team delivered a lively calendar of events while navigating the
East Nottingham Park Improvement construction obstacles. This great supports the community and
tourism, elevates the Avon brand and exposure and reinforces Avon’s competitiveness amongst our peer
communities. This is most apparent in Salute to the USA winning the Colorado Event Alliance “Best Public
Event, Fair or Festival” and the “Best Overall Event” at the annual ICON Awards, and AvonLIVE! is
nominated for the Best of the Vail Valley music series for the second year.
This year we welcomed Bravo! Vail and the Sinfonica de Mineria, Emily Dennis who crushed her first full
event season, and we delighted in the newest addition to the Van Winkle family, Nora Lee!
Despite a few challenges, including weather-related cancellations and/or delays, a major I-70 closure on
July 3rd, restrictions on private rentals, as well as economic and/or political uncertainty, the season
remained strong. That said, it was an excellent season of events, and a colorful, dazzling year for Art
Around Avon and “Postcard from Avon,” the newest large format mural.
The final Department Goals for 2026 have not been formally adopted by Council however, I anticipate our
work will focus on (1) building capacity in local non-profit “arts” organizations and (2) researching bronze
casting artists and soliciting general cost estimates for commissioning additional wildlife bronzes for
roundabouts on Avon Road, Post Blvd., and the Main Street Pedestrian Mall into Nottingham Park. I will
provide an update once the Council adopts Department Goals.
Finally, our long-term work together still includes the (1) development of the Cultural & Arts Strategic Plan,
however, this work is not at the forefront. And (2) the desire to hold single and/or multiday ticketed music
events still exists, however, the development of Town produced ticketed events is still paused. I continue
to discuss opportunities with third-party producers for future years.
SUMMARY: This report provides an update on the (1) Main Street Pedestrian Mall re-design (2) 2026
Proposed Budget and (3) the 2026 Arts & Events Calendar.
CURRENT / PLANNING ACTIVITY:
1. MAIN STREET PEDESTRIAN MALL REDESIGN- The CASE and Health & Recreation Committees
reviewed, and provided valuable feedback during the January 16, 2025, CASE Committee
meeting, and again during a joint meeting with the Health & Recreation Committee on February 20,
2025. The Main Street Pedestrian Mall Redesign project has made progress with the Planning and
Zoning Commission (“PZC”) on January 23, March 10, and August 11, 2025. The two areas where
PZC recently focused are (1) the Civic Plaza and (2) the Lake Street Crossing. The favored Civic
Plaza conceptual design is provided as ATTACHMENT A and the favored Lake Street Crossing
conceptual design is provided as ATTACHMENT B. Furthermore, the Town Manager has
provided additional direction on both which includes but is not limited to the following:
a. Civic Plaza (Concept 5.1):
i. Show the circle continuing further south to the Seasons plaza line (i.e., replacing the
connecting path area between Seasons and Ped Mall).
970-748-4065 ddempsey@avon.org
ii. Add the extra landscaping between the town hall parking lot and the plaza as shown
on Concept 4 included as ATTACHMENT C.
iii. Add a raised landscape planter that is the entire small half-circle at the center to
place skier statue in the middle with aspens on either side.
iv. Show tree plantings between outside edge of plaza on east side and the Lot B
development.
v. I like the idea of shade sail(s) on the Civic Plaza, but I don’t have ideas on where we
put them that would not interfere with layout or view the town hall building. I’m open
to suggestions, including not adding shade sails and focusing on landscaping/trees –
possibly more trees on the east side of this Civic Plaza.
b. Lake Street Crossing (Concept 3):
i. The two shade sails that frame the Ped Mall path going into that circle plaza works
great. I suggest we consider trapezoid shaped sails so that there are two posts on
the inside of the circle rather than one post at the point of triangle. See the diagram
in ATTACHMENT D. This would provide a better shade area while encroaching less
on the center of the circle. Up lighting is fine, but we will need to control it so that we
are only using it for events and/or it is on a timer. ii. I have a hard time imagining any shade sail or tent on the west side of the crossing,
but I’m open to ideas.
iii. Please add flag poles where shown on ATTACHMENT D.
iv. I heard general interest in the idea of wildlife bronzes. I think pedestals that are
connected to the mini-plazas on the both sides are best to frame the four corners
and so that people can get right up to the bronzes for photos. Please see diagram
where I show the pedestals in orange rectangles. I think the four animals are wolf,
eagle, trout and beaver.
2. 2026 PROPOSED BUDGET & CALENDAR - Overall, the 2026 Proposed Budget reflects a net
decrease of $137,488.05 representing a 15.4% net decrease. A detailed 2025 Adopted Budget vs
2026 Proposed Budget Comparison is provided and attached as ATTACHMENT E. The numbers
provided in ATTACHMENT E do not include personnel costs, general operations (cell phones,
meeting expense, dues, and memberships, etc.) and capital outlay (computers, furniture, etc.).
The most significant reductions and/or increases of the 2026 Proposed Budget are provided below,
and I am happy to answer any questions Committee members may have related to the 2026
Proposed Budget.
a. Lakeside Cinema has been removed resulting in a savings of $26,907.50.
b. AvonLIVE! offers ten concerts instead of eleven, however, this specifically does not result
in the savings of $12,019 being illustrated. The savings are primarily from reductions in
Purchased & Contracted Services (intercept surveys, photography, and live streaming).
Furthermore, we will discontinue Battle of the Bands and instead kick off the season with
top tier talent creating the buzz and anchoring the season.
c. Paddle Battles has been removed resulting in a savings of $11,727.50. This event will
become a production/program of the Recreation Department in 2026.
d. The completion of the East Nottingham Park Improvements Plan and new permanent
restrooms resulted in a savings of $14,983.33.
970-748-4065 ddempsey@avon.org
e. Installation of another large format mural has been removed resulting in a savings of $40,200.
f. The National Endowment of the Arts (“NEA”) grant match has been removed resulting in a
savings of $51,000.
g. There are two event additions to the 2026 Proposed Budget, (1) Cars in the Park
($6,116.75), which is a collaboration between a third-party producer and the Town and (2)
AVID Dance ($1,000), produced by AVID Dance Company, based in Colorado. These
events are not new to the calendar and next year will be the third year for both.
h. The draft 2026 Event & Art Calendar includes hold dates for the addition of (1) a single
and/or multi-day, third party produced ticketed concert and (2) Fiesta Pride, produced by
Mountain Pride. The 2026 Event & Art Calendar is provided as ATTACHMENT F.
Finally, as outlined in ATTACHMENT E, the 2026 Proposed Budget revenues remain flat at
$149,611. In collaboration with the Town Manager’s office, we are analyzing the current fee
structure to determine if slight increases are warranted. The CASE division revenue is primarily
from sponsorships and concessions and outlined below.
a. Sponsorship: The sponsorship opportunities offered are (1) “Fireworks” which includes
Fireworks in Avon and Salute to the USA (2) “LIVE! Music” which includes AvonLIVE! and
SunsetLIVE! and (3) “Community”, which includes all other Town produced events. The
cash revenue generated from sponsorship is approximately $13,250 and the in-kind value
and/or trade off-set is approximately $55,475.
b. Concessions: The total gross revenue for the 2025 season is $73,888. The details of the
gross revenue for each event or series is provided below:
i. AvonLIVE! - Gross Revenue = $36,441 and up slightly from $35,879 last year
representing 1.6% increase.
1. $45,274 in 2023
2. $30,636 in 2022
3. $16,865 in 2021
ii. Salute to the USA - Gross Revenue = $37,447 and down from $54,707 last year
representing a 31.5% decrease.
1. $51,465 in 2023
2. $28,388 in 2022
3. Flat revenue compared to 2021
3. ARTS & CULTURE: As mentioned above, the 2026 Proposed Budget includes an overall decrease
of $88,450 representing 76%. While this decrease is significant it is important to note that it
includes a (1) $50,000 National Endowment of the Arts contribution match of $50,000 and (2)
$40,200 for a large format mural.
a. Art Around Artist stipend for second year of exhibition which rotates in 2027 and on exhibit
through May of 2027 (19 pieces) = $17,100.
b. Three to four new painted benches = $5,200
c. Digital / printed mapping services, advertising, promotions, photography, and CAFÉ fees,
etc. = $5,150.
970-748-4065 ddempsey@avon.org
Finally, we are investigating selling or auctioning Glenna Goodacre’s Sidewalk Society Collection
which was purchased in 1992 and 1993 consisting of five pieces (1) CEO (2) Family (3) Ollie (4)
Architect and Contractor and (5) Dance Day. The collection formerly on Avon Road, has been on
display on the Main Street Mall since 2014.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
1. 2025 Full Event Recap
2. Post-Event Debriefs
3. 2026 CASE Committee Meeting Dates
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A – Civic Plaza Concept 5.1
Attachment B – Lake Street Concept 3
Attachment C – Civic Plaza Concept 4
Attachment D – Lake Street Crossing – Shade Sails
Attachment E – 2025 vs 2026 Proposed Budget Comparison
Attachment F – 2026 Event & Art Calendar Draft
Thank you, Danita.
AVON TOWN HALL PLAZA PLAN - CONCEPT 5.1
A V O N M A L L
A V ON, C OL OR ADO
0 5 10 20
SCALE: 1” =10’-0”
ATTACHMENT A
LAKE STREET PLAZA PLAN - CONCEPT 3
A V O N M A L L
A V ON, C OL OR ADO
0 5 10 20
SCALE: 1” =10’-0”
ATTACHMENT B
AVON TOWN HALL PLAZA PLAN - CONCEPT 4
A V O N M A L L
A V ON, C OL OR ADO
0 5 10 20
SCALE: 1” =10’-0”
ATTACHMENT C
ATTACHMENT D
2026: PROPOSED $903,639.68 2026: PROPOSED $149,611.00 2026: PROPOSED $754,028.68
2025: ADOPTED $1,039,827.73 2025: ADOPTED $148,311.00 2025: ADOPTED $891,516.73
Difference -$136,188.05 Difference $1,300.00 Difference -$137,488.05
15.4% net decrease
TOWN PRODUCED EVENTS TOTALS TOWN PRODUCED EVENTS TOTALS Variance Percentage of Change
Winter Fireworks 67,329.00$ Winter Fireworks 64,629.00$ (2,700.00)$ 4% Decrease
Egg Hunt 18,863.00$ Egg Hunt 18,033.00$ (830.00)$ 4.4% Decrease
Town Clean Up & Sustainability Fair -$ Town Clean Up & Sustainability Fair -$ -$ Flat
Best of the West -$ Best of the West -$ -$ On Hold
AvonLIVE! (11)283,877.00$ AvonLIVE! (10)271,857.20$ (12,019.80)$ 4.2% Decrease
SunsetLIVE! (14)35,880.00$ SunsetLIVE! (14)35,030.00$ (850.00)$ 2.3 Decrease
Salute to the USA 377,555.00$ Salute to the USA 377,735.00$ 180.00$ .05% Increase
Lakeside Cinema (9)26,907.50$ Lakeside Cinema -$ (26,907.50)$ 100% Decrease
Cars in the Park -$ Cars in the Park 6,116.75$ 6,116.75$ 100% Increase
Paddle Battles 11,727.50$ Paddle Battlles -$ (11,727.50)$ 100% Decrease
Sunset SUP Race (2)-$ Sunset SUP Race (2)-$ -$ Discontinued
Summer's End -$ Summer's End -$ -$ Discontinued
Community Picnic 24,039.23$ Community Picnic 24,039.23$ -$ Flat
Turkey Trot 14,749.50$ Turkey Trot 14,749.50$ -$ Flat
Heart & Soul Festival -$ Heart & Soul Festival -$ -$ On Hold
TOWN PRODUCED EVENTS TOTAL:$860,927.73 TOWN PRODUCED EVENTS TOTAL:$812,189.68 (48,738.05)$ 5.6% Overall Decrease
THIRD PARTY PRODUCED / FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS TOTALS THIRD PARTY PRODUCED / FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS TOTALS Variance Percentage of Change
Ultimate Apres Avon -$ Ultimate Apres Avon -$ -$ Discontinued
Pride in the Park -$ Pride in the Park -$ -$
Vail Valley Lacrosse -$ Vail Valley Lacrosse -$ -$
Bravo! Vail 20,000.00$ Bravo! Vail 20,000.00$ -$ Flat
Avon Art Celebration 3,000.00$ Avon Art Celebration 3,000.00$ -$ Flat
AVID Dance -$ AVID Dance 1,000.00$ 1,000.00$ 100% Increase
Vail Valley Brew-Au'-$ Vail Valley Brew-Au'-$ -$ Discontinued
Xterra USA Championships -$ Xterra USA Championships -$ -$ Discontinued
Dancing in the Park 40,000.00$ Dancing in the Park 40,000.00$ -$ Flat
Cars in the Park -$ Cars in the Park -$ -$
Vail Valley Soccer Cup -$ Vail Valley Soccer Cup -$ -$
Man of the Cliff -$ Man of the Cliff -$ -$ Discontinued
Contingency -$ Contingency -$ -$
TOTAL THIRD PARTY & CONTINGENCY:63,000.00$ TOTAL THIRD PARTY & CONTINGENCY:64,000.00$ 1,000.00$ 1.6% Increase
CULTURE, ARTS & ACTIVITIES TOTALS CULTURE, ARTS & ACTIVITIES TOTALS Variance Percentage of Change
Temp. Art Installations 24,700.00$ Temp. Art Installations 17,100.00$ (7,600.00)$ 31% Decrease
Temp. and/or Permanent Art Installation 41,200.00$ Temp. and/or Permanent Art Installation 10,350.00$ (30,850.00)$ 75% Decrease
Grant Match 50,000.00$ Grant Match -$ (50,000.00)$ 100% Decrease
TOTAL ART INSTALLATIONS:115,900.00$ TOTAL ART INSTALLATIONS:27,450.00$ (88,450.00)$ 76% Decrease
GRAND TOTAL:$1,039,827.73 GRAND TOTAL:$903,639.68 (136,188.05)$ 13% Overall Decrease
EVENT SPONSORSHIP TOTALS EVENT SPONSORSHIP TOTALS Variance Percentage of Change
Community Events 3,333.33$ Community Events 3,333.33$ 0.00$ Flat
Firework Events 3,333.33$ Firework Events 3,333.33$ 0.00$ Flat
Live Music Events 3,333.34$ Live Music Events 3,333.33$ (0.01)$ Flat
Summer's End -$ -$ -$ Discontinued
Heart & Soul -$ -$ -$ On Hold
Sub -Total:10,000.00$ Sub -Total:10,000.00$ -$ 0%
EVENT CONCESSIONS EVENT CONCESSIONS Variance Percentage of Change
Gross AvonLIVE! 43,131.00$ Gross AvonLIVE! 43,131.00$ -$ Flat
Gross Salute to the USA 51,000.00$ Gross Salute to the USA 51,000.00$ -$ Flat
Summer's End -$ Summer's End -$ -$ Discontinued
Heart & Soul -$ Heart & Soul -$ -$ On Hold
Sub -Total:94,131.00$ Sub -Total:94,131.00$ -$ 0%
TURN-KEY PERMITS TURN-KEY PERMITS Variance Percentage of Change
Other TBD 1,500.00$ Other TBD 1,500.00$ -$ Flat
Sub-Total:1,500.00$ Sub-Total:1,500.00$ -$ 0%
SPECIAL EVENT FEES SPECIAL EVENT FEES Variance Percentage of Change
Vendor Fees: Salute 15,900.00$ Vendor Fees: Salute 15,900.00$ -$ Flat
Vendor Fees: Avon Live 8,700.00$ Vendor Fees: Avon Live 8,700.00$ -$ Flat
Vendor Fees: Summer's End -$ Vendor Fees: Summer's End -$ -$ Discontinued
Vendor Fees: Heart & Soul -$ Vendor Fees: Heart & Soul -$ -$ On Hold
Bridge Banner Fees -$ Bridge Banner Fees -$ -$ Discontinued
Sound Permits 100.00$ Sound Permits 100.00$ -$ Flat
Paddle Battle Registration Fees 400.00$ Paddle Battle Registration Fees -$ (400.00)$ 100% Decrease
Turkey Trot Registration Fees 10,000.00$ Turkey Trot Registration Fees 10,000.00$ -$ Flat
SunsetSUP Registration Fees -$ SunsetSUP Registration Fees -$ -$ Discontinued
Sub -Total:35,100.00$ Sub -Total:34,700.00$ (400.00)$ 1.1% Decrease
SPECIAL EVENT ADMISSION FEES SPECIAL EVENT ADMISSION FEES Variance Percentage of Change
Ultimate Apres Avon -$ Ultimate Apres Avon -$ -$ Discontinued
Vail Valley Brew Fest -$ Vail Valley Brew Fest -$ -$ Discontinued
Sub-Total:-$ Sub-Total:-$ -$
MOBILE VENDORS MOBILE VENDORS Variance Percentage of Change
Food Truck Program 700.00$ Food Truck Program 2,400.00$ 1,700.00$
Sub-Total:700.00$ Sub-Total:2,400.00$ 1,700.00$ 24.2% Increase
PAVILION RENTAL $6,640 PAVILION RENTAL $6,640 Variance Percentage of Change
Sub-Total:$6,640 Sub-Total:$6,640 -$ Flat
FIELD RENTAL $240 FIELD RENTAL $240 Variance Percentage of Change
Sub-Total:$240 Sub-Total:$240 -$ Flat
TOTAL PROJECTED REVENUE:148,311.00$ TOTAL PROJECTED REVENUE:149,611.00$ 1,300.00$ .87% Increase
2025 BUDGET EXPENSE: ADOPTED 2026 BUDGET EXPENSE: PROPOSED
2025 BUDGET REVENUE: ADOPTED 2026 BUDGET REVENUE: PROPOSED
2025 VS 2026 BUDGET COMPARISON
ATTACHMENT E
2025 VS 2026 BUDGET COMPARISION SUMMARY: 9.16.2025
GROSS EXPENSE GROSS REVENUE NET
ATTACHMENT F - 2026 Special Events & Arts
January February March
Su M T W T F Sa Su M T W T F Sa Su M T W T F Sa
1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
25 26 27 28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 31
April May June
Su M T W T F Sa Su M T W T F Sa Su M T W T F Sa
1 2 3 4 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
12 13 14 15 16 17 18 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
26 27 28 29 30 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30
31
July August September
Su M T W T F Sa Su M T W T F Sa Su M T W T F Sa
1 2 3 4 1 1 2 3 4 5
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 27 28 29 30
30 31
October November December
Su M T W T F Sa Su M T W T F Sa Su M T W T F Sa
1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 27 28 29 30 31
Event Type Legend
Music Third Party Producer Arts and Culture Event Hold Date
Community Fireworks Private Rental
Venue Legend:
All Town | A Trails | TR
Pavilion | P Terrace | T
Upper Recreation Field | UF Lower Recreation Field | LF
Nottingham Lake and Beach NLB Avon Art Guild | AAG
Event & Arts Calendar:
YEAR ROUND
Art First Friday’s Every First Friday of the Month AAG JANUARY
January 17 | Fireworks in Avon P, A, UF, LF, T
APRIL
April 4 | Egg Hunt UF
MAY
May 20 | Town Clean Up & Sustainability Fair A
May 24, 31 | SunsetLIVE! T
JUNE
June 7, 14, 21, 28 | SunsetLIVE! T
June 10, 17, 24 | AvonLIVE! P, UF
June 12 | Fiesta Pride - TBD P, UF
June 13 | Pride in the Park P, UF
June 23 - 25 | Lacrosse Tournament LF
JULY
July 3 | Salute to the USA P, A, UF, LF, T
July 8, 15, 22, 29 | AvonLIVE! P, UF
July 11 | Triple Bypass UF, A
July 12, 19, 26 | SunsetLIVE! T
July 24 - 26 | Avon Arts Celebration UF
July 30 | Dancing in the Park HOLD P, UF
AUGUST
August 1 | Event Hold P, UF
August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 | SunsetLIVE! T
August 5, 12, 19 | AvonLIVE! P, UF
August TBD | Cars in the Park P, UF
August TBD | AVID Dance P, UF
SEPTEMBER
September 6 | SunsetLIVE! T
September 17 | Community Picnic P, UF OCTOBER
October 2 - 4 | Vail Valley Soccer UF, LF
October 9 – 12 | Event Hold P, UF NOVEMBER
November 26 | Turkey Trot A, TR, UF