Upland council approves five‑year Sound Skills contract to run Lehi Festival

The Upland City Council unanimously approved a new five‑year contract with Sound Skills to produce and manage the annual Lehi (Lemon) Festival, continuing a multi‑year relationship with the promoter and adding updated permit and cleanup obligations.

City Manager Michael Blay reviewed the festival’s return after the COVID hiatus, the city’s goals of driving downtown foot traffic and supporting local businesses, and the promoter’s role in paying for public‑safety staffing. Staff said the new contract includes a special‑event condition requiring the promoter to power‑wash and remove trash across the festival footprint to the satisfaction of city staff and designates the City as the point of sale for food and beverage transactions occurring within the Sound Skills footprint.

Several downtown business owners spoke in support. Joey Mancuso said the festival directs new customers to downtown merchants and helps struggling businesses reach viability. Mark Davidson, who owns local restaurants, told the council the Lehi Festival is the single most profitable event for many downtown establishments and urged a long‑term commitment to the promoter.

Councilmembers asked for annual briefings on festival planning and discussed additional cleanup measures; staff agreed to add a yearly presentation about the upcoming festival to the scope of work and coordinate supplemental cleanups with city crews. The contract motion was moved, seconded and approved unanimously.

Next steps: Staff will finalize the five‑year agreement and work with the promoter and downtown stakeholders on parking, logistics and a standing annual presentation to council on festival planning.