Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
<br />ORANGE COUNTY <br />BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> <br />ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: March 8, 2018 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 6-b <br /> <br />SUBJECT: Framework for the First Annual Orange County Local Festival <br /> <br />DEPARTMENT: County Manager’s Office <br /> <br /> <br />ATTACHMENT(S): <br />Local Fest Presentation <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />INFORMATION CONTACT: <br />Travis Myren, Deputy County Manager, <br />919-245-2308 <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />PURPOSE: To establish a financial and programming framework for Orange County’s First <br />Annual Local Festival. <br /> <br />BACKGROUND: The FY2017-18 Budget authorized up to $15,000 in Article 46 sales tax <br />proceeds to begin planning for an Orange County Local Fest. The County conducted a request <br />for proposal process and retained Evan Hatch as the Event Planner. Mr. Hatch has fifteen <br />years of experience in folk arts and cultural programming which includes experience in event <br />planning and festival production. Mr. Hatch has been working with a group of Orange County <br />departments to create a financial and programming framework for Local Fest. <br /> <br />Orange County Local Fest is intended to be a local, grassroots festival that celebrates and <br />promotes Orange County’s commitment to its heritage, diversity, culture, sustainable living and <br />agriculture. The event is proposed to be held at the Blackwood Farm Park on Saturday, <br />September 29, 2018. <br /> <br />Revenue generated by the event is proposed to support the Breeze Farm Incubator. The Breeze <br />Farm provides a place for individuals who are interested in learning to farm, but may not have <br />access to the land or equipment required to start a farming business. The Breeze Farm <br />provides tools, infrastructure, and services as part of the lease agreement with these individuals. <br />These resources help to minimize the risk and capital investment needed to start a small farm. <br />Historically, the Breeze Farm generated approximately $30,000 in revenue by hosting the <br />annual Farm to Fork Event. That event has relocated to outside of Orange County, resulting in <br />a loss of revenue to the Breeze Farm. <br /> <br />The programming element of Local Fest is proposed to include music, agricultural and food <br />demonstrations, local artists, educational opportunities for children, and revenue generating <br />activities, food, and beverage sales. Music and dance stages will feature a diverse mix of local <br />musicians and artists. Examples of agricultural and food demonstrations include a <br />demonstration kitchen, sheep herding and shearing, molasses processing, fabric weaving and <br />1