REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF BIG BEAR VALLEY RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT
AND RECORD OF ACTION
September 22, 2026
FROM
NOEL CASTILLO, Director, Department of Public Works - Special Districts
SUBJECT
Title
Agreement with Visit Big Bear for the Alpine Zoo Wild Lights Event at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Acting as the governing body of the Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District, approve Revenue Sharing Agreement with the Big Bear Lake Resort Association, Inc. dba Visit Big Bear, for the Alpine Zoo Wild Lights event at the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, establishing the respective roles and responsibilities of each party for the special event, commencing upon execution through February 28, 2027.
(Presenter: Noel Castillo, Director, 387-7906)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Promote and Fulfill the Countywide Vision.
Operate in a Fiscally Responsible and Business-Like Manner.
Foster Sustainable Development Through Strategic Partnerships.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). Based on projected attendance, this after-hours special event is expected to generate approximately $400,000 in additional ticket sales, although the revenue generated will not go to Big Bear Alpine Zoo (BBAZ) exclusively.
Big Bear Lake Resort Association Inc. dba Visit Big Bear (VBB) will be financially responsible for additional staffing costs required to support the event, including the Board approved ordinance rates for one Curator, three Gift Shop Specialists, one Animal Keeper, and one Maintenance Worker estimated at $49,952 to $74,929. In addition, pursuant to the Revenue Sharing Agreement (Agreement), VBB will allocate $750 per event operating day and 20% of total net revenue from the event to the BBAZ. Sufficient appropriations and revenues are included in the BBAZ 2026-27 budget.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District (District) manages and operates the BBAZ. The BBAZ provides educational opportunities for the public, showcasing local wildlife through enriching, natural exhibits and world-class animal care to the benefit of the community.
The Alpine Zoo Wild Lights event has become a seasonal community attraction that celebrates the holiday season while promoting wildlife conservation and enhancing visitor engagement at the BBAZ. The event features illuminated animal displays, festive light tunnels, themed decorations throughout the zoo, holiday music, seasonal food and beverage offerings, interactive photo opportunities, and educational presentations by BBAZ staff.
The Agreement between the District and VBB will allow the Alpine Zoo Wild Lights special event to be held at BBAZ from November 13, 2026, through January 3, 2027. The event will take place after regular operation hours from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursdays and Sundays, and from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. During the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’ holiday weeks, the event will operate from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday, contingent on demand and weather conditions. The Agreement will commence upon execution by the District and VBB and will remain in effect through February 28, 2027, to allow for event closeout activities and final revenue reconciliation, unless terminated earlier in accordance with Section 11 of the Agreement.
Under the proposed Agreement, the District will provide access to the BBAZ facilities, oversight of animal care, operational coordination, and staffing support. Visit Big Bear will manage event marketing, décor installation, ticketing coordination, and payment of additional staffing costs associated with the event.
Following the successful inaugural event in 2025-26, which attracted approximately 17,000 attendees and generated approximately $277,000 in revenue, the Alpine Zoo Wild Lights event has become an anticipated annual partnership between the District and Visit Big Bear. The continued collaboration enhances community engagement, attracts visitors during the winter season, and generates additional revenue to support the ongoing operations and mission of the BBAZ.
This item aligns with the County and Chief Executive Officer’s goals and objectives by operating in a fiscally responsible and business-like manner, strengthening partnerships with community stakeholders, and leveraging District facilities to enhance recreational opportunities and support wildlife conservation.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Sophie A. Curtis, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on August 20, 2026; and County Finance and Administration (Scott Bruckner, Administrative Analyst, 387-4020) on September 3, 2026.