The City of Katy Parks and Recreation Department announced on December 12 that its “Taylor Swift Ultimate Karaoke Night” has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious 2024 Texas Recreation and Parks Society (TRAPS) East Region Innovative Program Award. “This recognition highlights the department’s outstanding commitment to providing creative, high-quality programs that foster community engagement and enhance the quality of life in Katy,” said a department spokesperson in a December 12 press release.

The primary objective of the “Taylor Swift Ultimate Karaoke Night” was to unite the Katy community in the newly redesigned downtown Historic Town Square, said Kaci Maris, the city’s tourism and event coordinator. Initially planned as a standard karaoke event, the program pivoted to a Taylor Swift-themed experience in response to the immense popularity of Taylor Swift’s “ERAS” tour and excitement surrounding the upcoming Tortured Poets Department album release. “This unique concept resonated strongly with the community, providing a fantastic opportunity to showcase the charm of the historic downtown area,” said Maris.

The Parks and Recreation team implemented an expanded marketing strategy and introduced exciting attractions that added to the fun. This included “friendship bracelet” making, face painting, a costume contest, a Taylor-themed photoshoot, a pop-up boutique with Taylor-inspired clothing, and themed drinks and sweets from local shops. Attendees had the chance to take the stage and sing their favorite songs, creating a vibrant and unforgettable atmosphere.

The event achieved the highest attendance for a city event in the newly redesigned Historic Town Square since renovations began. The Katy City Council and the community have requested the event be held again in 2025, the press release said.

“This recognition is a true honor for our department and is a testament to the hard work and unique creativity of our team to create one-of-a-kind events for our city,” said Maris. “We’re thrilled to receive the TRAPS East Region Innovative Program Award, and we’re grateful to everyone who made this event such a tremendous success. We look forward to continuing to provide innovative and fun experiences for our community.”

The “Taylor Swift Ultimate Karaoke Night” was formally recognized at the East Region Winter Social & Awards Ceremony on December 12 at the House of Blues Foundation Room, 1204 Caroline in Houston.