CITY PARTNERS WITH TALL SHIPS® TACOMA
Agreement helps keep festival free
June 18, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Matthew Erlich, 253-284-0015
merlich@tacomagoodwill.org
www.tallshipstacoma.com
TACOMA – June 18, 2008 – The City of Tacoma has reached an agreement with Tall Ships® Tacoma organizers that will keep the 2008 event free for the public while covering police and other event costs.
The Tacoma City Council approved the partnership at it a recent meeting. The city had already been working with event organizers by providing $10,000 in initial seed money; helping obtain $1 million in state funds for dock and other improvements along the Thea Foss Waterway; and settling the outstanding police bill with the 2005 event organizers.
“This partnership is a credit to the organizational effort of the Tall Ships 2008 committee,” said Mayor Bill Baarsma. “For the city, Tall Ships represents an understanding of the economic development this event has for the region.”
Key provisions of the partnership include:
Festival Remains Free. While there will be an admission charge to board the vessels, entry to the festival will remain free.
City Covers Costs. The city will cover costs for services including police, fire and public works. The investment totals more than $250,000.
Improve Access. Special efforts will be made to provide access to selected vessels and enhance the experience for disabled people.
The 2008 festival will be funded through the sale of tickets to board ships, public and private donations, and corporate sponsorships such as presenting sponsor State Farm. The budget for the event is more than $3 million.
“We are committed to keeping Tall Ships a cherished event in the community and providing an economic boost to downtown all while improving the guest experience,” said Joe Jadwin, board president of the Tacoma Tall Ships® Organization. “Our resources include strong support from volunteers, sponsors and community partners.”
According to figures from the 2005 event, the economic impact was more than $6.8 million and some estimates place the number of visitors at more than 700,000 people. Tacoma received the “Port of the Year” award from the American Sail Training Association, which sponsors the event.
For more information, visit www.tallshipstacoma.com or call 272-5650.
State Farm Presents Tall Ships® Tacoma 2008 will be held July 3-7, 2008. More than 30 historic sailing vessels are expected to attend the event along the Foss Waterway. Tickets to board the vessels or sail on an excursion are now on sale at www.tallshipstacoma.com.