A College Station city councilman is interested in raising more sales tax and hotel occupancy tax revenue by drawing more visitors during the holidays.
Jerome Rektorik was looking to tie something new to the city’s “Christmas in the Park” display at Central Park by something he described as “a big wow”.
When Rektorik suggested investigating what happens at Central Park to save money, he backed off after hearing from fellow councilmembers who included Julie Schultz and James Benham.
“Christmas in the Park” opens December 1.
Click below for comments from Jerome Rektorik, Julie Schultz, and James Benham from the October 26, 2017 College Station city council meeting.
Additional information about Christmas in the Park from the city of College Station website:
The City of College Station’s Christmas in the Park will return to Stephen C. Beachy Central Park Dec. 1-3 from 6-10 p.m. Free activities include old-fashioned hayrides, cookies and hot cocoa, live entertainment, inflatables, petting zoo, real snow slides and photos with Santa. You’re allowed to bring your own camera to take a photo for free or buy a professional photo for $5.
Shuttles will run Dec. 1-3 from Municipal Court parking lot (300 Krenek Tap Rd.) to Stephen C. Beachy Central Park. Guests may bring their own refreshments, but coolers must be 48 quarts or smaller. Alcohol, glass containers and pets are not allowed. Food vendors will also be available.
The holiday celebration doesn’t stop there! Guests can continue the family tradition of viewing more than one million lights that will decorate the beautiful 47-acre Stephen C. Beachy Central Park from 6-11 p.m. each day starting on Thanksgiving and ending New Year’s.
The City of College Station is looking for groups or individuals to perform during Christmas in the Park, Dec. 1-3 from 6-10 p.m. Performances will be based on staff approval and first-come, first-serve basis. Time slots will be assigned based on length of performances. Performances will take place on a large mobile stage at Stephen C. Beachy Central Park.
All performances must be family friendly.
You must include elements of the holiday season in your performance (festive wear, Christmas music, etc.).
Due to stage setup, props will not be allowed without prior approval. Special requests must be received no later than Wednesday, Nov. 1
All recorded music must be received, along with a song list in the order of your performance, no later than Wednesday, Nov. 15. If there are any last minute changes to your music and/or song list, you must notify us and submit the changes to us no later than 4 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 27. It’s suggested to bring a backup CD with you to the performance.
You may choose a 10, 20, 30, 45 or 55 minute time slot.
Your group must check in 30 minutes prior to your performance time.
Due to parking, it’s suggested to carpool and arrive 45 minutes before your performance. It’s very important that your group starts and ends on the designated time you are allotted. If not, you may forfeit your allotted time or your time will be shorten.
You will be able to choose a date preference but not the time. Time slots will be assigned based on performance time and age of performers.
QUESTIONS? Call 979.764.6271 or e-mail hlupoli@cstx.gov.