Solvang is continuing to adjust after parting ways with its tourism promotion arm, the Solvang Conference and Visitors Bureau (SCVB).
The city sought bids to manage its Julefest event, and Solvang City Council members fielded responses during a special meeting on Sept. 25. The proposals came from IDK Events, Pink Cadillac Entertainment, and Daniel Lahr.
The City Council chose to hire IDK events but asked that Lahr be included to “combine experience and resources,” according to the city.
Julefest is one of Solvang’s signature events. It’s a month-long celebration starting on Nov. 29 that stretches to Jan. 3 with holiday-themed events like a tree lighting, Santa’s Village, and the Skål Wine and Beer Walk.
Fresno-based IDK Events has experience managing street fairs and festivals and runs events in and around San Francisco, where it has a satellite office. It has run the Union and Castro Street Fairs and the Pride Festival and Parade in the Bay Area.
Daniel Lahr brings local experience having worked as the special programs manager for the SCVB; Lahr’s two years of experience with the bureau included planning and producing Julefest.
The selection comes after the city re-opened the Solvang Visitor Center, located at 1639 Copenhagen Drive, with a Sept. 20 ribbon cutting. The center, usually open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., will have extended hours during key Julefest events.
This article appears in Oct 3-10, 2019.