BlythewoodSC

Good Faith Deposits/Expenses Paid in Advance

by UniversalCMG

Timeline (March 19 – April 28, 2025)
Community Event Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025

(Non-Refundable)

March 19–25, 2025 – Talent and Insurance
• DJ Deposit: $250
• Artist Deposits (combined): $4,300
• Host/MC Deposit: $300
• Event Insurance Paid: $1200
Week 1 Total: $6,050

March 26–April 2, 2025 – Operations and Logistics
• Sound, Lighting and Production Deposit: $2,500
• Porta Johns Deposit: $400

** March 27, 2025 - Check Issued **

(Town of Blythewood)

** COSTLY TURN OF EVENTS **

BLYTHEWOOD TOWN COUNCIL MEETING SPECIAL CALLED MEETING AND BUDGET WORK SESSION DOKO MANOR 100 ALVINA HAGOOD CIRCLE BLYTHEWOOD, SC 29016

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2025 5:45PM

III. ACTION ITEM

A. Discussion and possible action to schedule additional future budget workshops, including setting dates and times. Councilman Brock made a Motion to schedule the next Budget Work Session at Town Hall on April 30 at 5:45 pm. The Motion was seconded by Councilwoman Page. A roll call vote was taken; Councilwoman Page – Yes, Councilman Brock – Yes, Councilwoman Fripp – Yes, Councilman McKenrick – Yes, Mayor Griffin– Yes. All in favor; 5-0.

B. Discussion and possible action to cancel the following events (Movies in the Park, Juneteenth and 4th of July). Council deliberated whether to cancel three scheduled events: Movies in the Park, Juneteenth, and the 4th of July Rockin’ Red, White, and Blue event. Councilmember Page and Councilmember McKenrick strongly supported cancellation due to recurring public safety incidents, including a recent fight during a movie night that caused families to flee. They expressed concern for both attendees and Town staff.

Council members discussed the public safety risks associated with large nighttime gatherings, especially given heightened tension and prior disturbances. They also acknowledged the financial implications, including non-refundable deposits for bands and fireworks. Staff confirmed that Movies in the Park has no signed contracts, but the fireworks and some Juneteenth and July 4th performers were under contract.

Council opened the floor for public comment.

Cindy Merritt a Blythewood resident expressed frustration with Council’s handling of the July 4th planning process, stating that after the previous year’s event, there had been commitments to conduct a risk assessment and establish a dedicated planning committee—neither of which appeared to have been fulfilled. She stated that safety issues during the Movies in the Park incidents stemmed primarily from activity near the playground and were not representative of the full crowd. She asked Council not to punish the broader community for the actions of a few and reminded them that violence and threats can happen anywhere, referencing a recent incident at Columbia Place Mall. She concluded by stating that people are scared, but the community still deserves opportunities for safe engagement. Another citizen supported the idea of pausing events for a year but noted that it should be a proactive planning period, not simply a cancellation. She proposed instituting registration for events—requiring attendees to sign up in advance and receive entry passes, thus allowing organizers to better monitor and control access. She pointed out that many parents are working long hours and cannot constantly supervise their children, even when they are trying their best. She also urged council to create consequences for juveniles who violate curfews or Town rules, including community service, and to develop more partnerships with schools and organizations to strengthen community involvement.

Mr. Phil Fry expressed deep disappointment about the need to cancel community events due to safety issues. He stated that he knew the importance of organizing safe public gatherings and noted that he always paid extra for security and terrorism insurance when managing events. He sympathized with Council’s concerns but stated that safety threats had escalated to the point where nighttime events were no longer viable. Mr. Fry described the situation as heartbreaking and stated plainly that “we can’t do anything after dark.” He concluded by asking Council to take a serious look at long-term planning and safety infrastructure to avoid having to continue such cancellations in the future.

Councilman McKenrick made a Motion to cancel Movies in the Park, Juneteenth and Rockin Red, White and Blue for the calendar year 2025. Motion was seconded by Councilman Brock. A roll call vote was taken; Councilwoman Page – Yes, Councilman Brock – Yes, Councilwoman Fripp – Yes, Councilman McKenrick – Yes, Mayor Griffin– No. Motion passed; 4-1.

** Blythewood Community Members and Vendors **

Thank you for your emails and for sharing your concerns today.

We want you to know that we have received every email, and we fully understand the frustration, confusion, and disappointment

surrounding the Town Council’s recent decision to cancel Movies in the Park, Juneteenth, and the 4th of July Rockin’ Red, White & Blue

event for the 2025 season.

UniversalCMG was asked to provide a Juneteenth celebration, and we want to make it clear that our

responsibility has not changed. We remain fully committed to delivering this event, ensuring that the community has a safe, meaningful,

and accessible celebration to attend.

After carefully reviewing the Town Council Special Called Meeting, several important points were made clear:

The Council is fully aware of the financial implications, including non-refundable deposits and signed contracts associated with the

Juneteenth and July 4th events.

Council stated that they no longer want The Town of Blythewood’s name attached to any event, citing concerns about public safety liability.

Vendors have notified us that the Town is not refunding permit fees paid for the scheduled event day.

Because of these decisions, our team must now take immediate and significant action.

To Move Forward, We Will:

Retract all previously released event information and materials.
Secure a new event location, one that remains close and convenient for Blythewood residents.
Rebrand, redesign, and fully rebuild the Juneteenth event from the ground up.
Launch a new promotional campaign and ensure our vendors and attendees have all updated information.
Complete this full transition by or before June 14th.

We Want To Be Transparent:

This is a substantial financial and operational undertaking. However, we believe the Blythewood

community deserves a celebration, and we are prepared to move forward with strong dedication to ensure its success.

Thank you for your patience, your advocacy, and your continued support as we navigate these changes.

We will share additional details as soon as contracts, location, and logistics are finalized.

If you have any questions, concerns, or needs, please contact us!!

* UniversalCMG Event Team *

** April 30, 2025 - Check Deposited **

(Financial Implications Cleared By Town Council)

Deposits/Expenses/Damage Control/Re-Location/Overhead

1. Advance Deposits (Non-Refundable)

DJ Deposit: $250

Artist Deposits (combined): $4,300

Host/MC Deposit: $300

Event Insurance: $1200

Sound, Lighting & Production Deposit: $2,500

Porta Johns Deposit: $400

Printing: $2,380

Tour Bus Deposit: $1,000

Hotel Room Block Deposit: $550

iHeart Radio: $1,800

Social Media Marketing Deposit: $750

Street Team: $800

Operations/Equipment Deposit: $1,842

Total: $18,072

2. Reputation and Public Perception Considerations

Audience Confidence: Changing a high-profile event will reduce trust and affect future attendance.

Artist & Vendor Relations: Changes will affect future bookings.

Media Coverage: Negative press will result if the cancellation is not communicated transparently.

* Finance Dept. *

Costs Exceeding Town of Blythewood Contribution = $18,960

A. Re-Promotion & Marketing: $2,890

New city-focused campaigns, updated flyers/banners, social media ads, radio spots

B. Talent Re-Scheduling & Travel Adjustments: $3,110

Re-booking fees, flights, hotels, per diems

C. Logistics / Equipment Re-Deployment / Law Enforcement: $5,250

Transporting equipment, renting additional staging / sound, security/officers

D. Damage Control / Reputation / Rights of Publicity Management: $4,780

Public relations campaigns, community outreach, social media / publication crisis management

E. Staff Time & Operational Overhead: $2,930
* Staff hours for:

Canceling and rebooking vendors and talent

Updating marketing and communications

Managing new permits and contracts

Coordinating travel, lodging, and logistics

Supervising equipment transport and setup

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** Celebrating a Successful Juneteenth Celebration! **

WITH ONLY 3 WEEKS OF MARKETING!!

We are thrilled to announce that the relocated Juneteenth event landing in Chester, SC

—Just up from Blythewood off Hwy—was an incredible success!

It was a Very Costly undertaking, but we pulled it off, thanks to the Blythewood & Chester Communities coming together, we

were able to achieve our goal of creating a safe, meaningful, and unforgettable celebration.

With over 1,500 attendees, the energy, joy, and unity displayed by the communities were truly inspiring. From families enjoying

the festivities to friends celebrating together, this event highlighted the power of collaboration and the importance of

coming together to honor this shared heritage.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to every worker, vendor, performer, and attendee who made this event possible.

Your support, enthusiasm, and participation made all the difference.

• SLED (South Carolina Law Enforcement Division)

• City of Chester Police Department

• Chester Fire Department

• Chester County Sheriff’s Department

• Chester Downtown Development Association (CDDA)

• Mayor Carlos Williams City of Chester

• Mayor Sloan Griffin Town of Blythewood

• The Town of Blythewood Volunteers

• The City of Chester Volunteers

• Downtown City Businesses

• The City of Chester staff

• EMS Teams

This celebration demonstrates what we can accomplish when the communities unite, and we look forward to many more

opportunities to bring people together in meaningful ways.

Thanks everyone for making this event a RESOUNDING SUCCESS!

*
* UniversalCMG Event Team *