Christmas in Fairfield was a wonderful time this year, thanks to the hard work of the City of Fairfield, Chamber of Commerce, and many community volunteers, churches, organizations and small businesses.
Beginning the weekend of Thanksgiving and going through December, folks enjoyed two Shop Local events, a Christmas-themed Parade, official Tree Lighting, Live Nativity performances, Contests, Giveaways, Winter Sports (including the new Ice Slide Races), Carousel Rides, Balloon-making Elves, Stilt-walking Nutcrackers, and so much more.
Bright eyes and big smiles were everywhere, as children and their families came out to celebrate the holiday season.
Two of the events: Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration on December 1st and Jingle All The Way Winter Sports Event on December 15th; were hosted and sponsored by the City of Fairfield.
Councilmen had approved a budget of $30,300 for these Christmas activities.
As of last week, invoices totaling $21,132.03 have been received at City Hall, according to Fairfield City Secretary Misty Richardson.
That means, so far, this year’s celebration has come in more than 30% under budget.
Yet to be received are final statements from local newspapers for advertising, according to Richardson. Representing just over 13% of the initial budget, advertising included event promotion through newspapers, as well as magazine, radio, internet and printed fliers.
Although these two Christmas celebrations are funded by the City of Fairfield, it is the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, along with a host of local volunteers, who take time to plan, organize, and staff the events.
“Sonic brought in five people to work the Ice Slide,” remarks Brenda Pate, Executive Director of the Chamber. “I don’t know what I would have done without them.” They were joined by many more businesses, organizations and volunteers to make for a special day.
There were a few changes made to the 2018 events, after the use of Hotel / Motel monies were questioned.
In particular, the annual Jingle All The Way event was repackaged with an emphasis on Winter Sports that included ice slides races and a 5K run.
Hotel / Motel funds are generated through a tax that is added to the final bill when anyone rents a room in a local hotel or motel.
These funds may only be used for certain expenditures. Namely, they must promote tourism and the hotel and convention industry, and the expenses must fit into one of nine different categories.
Among these categories are advertising, promotion of the Arts (including performers and entertainers, such as Santa Claus and stilt walkers), and sporting events.
The main goal in utilizing Hotel / Motel funds is to bring visitors (and money) to town to stay, eat and shop local businesses.
Local retailers did well during this year’s Christmas events, says Pate, who received feedback from Chamber members.
Also, there were noticeably more shoppers at Fairfield Fest – Downtown Market, held in conjunction with the December 15th event. As a result, Market vendors stayed longer, making for a thriving day of gift shopping.
Certainly, a positive influx for Fairfield’s economy, coming into the New Year.
