The Miami Lakes Executive Activities Task Force approved a purchase for the town’s Holiday Festival and finalized a family-friendly movie lineup at its Nov. 20 meeting.

During planning discussion, members confirmed the festival date and activities — Santa, photo booth, food trucks and children’s ornament-decorating — and reviewed cost estimates for screening a film. Committee members noted that securing a licensed outdoor movie screening requires a package that typically includes screen, projector, tech staff, speakers, generator and a Swank license for public-performance rights; one estimate discussed in the meeting was roughly $2,654 for a full package, and members noted a committee budget figure of $1,600 with additional funds available.

A motion to purchase a large artificial Christmas tree and to include arts-and-crafts decorating supplies was moved, amended to add the supplies, seconded and carried by voice vote. Separately, the task force voted in favor of a movie lineup that the committee representative said will include Shrek the Halls, Merry Madagascar and Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas; members discussed alternatives if licensing allows only a single feature.

Members debated whether to rent or buy projection and audio equipment and raised concerns about storage, intercommittee ownership, maintenance and accountability if the task force were to buy expensive equipment. Several members suggested soliciting price quotes and exploring cost-sharing with other committees; one speaker recommended prioritizing a light tower instead of a permanent screen if storage or maintenance would be an issue.

Tasks assigned following the meeting included sharing the final movie selections on the festival flyer, verifying licensing permissions with the vendor, confirming electricity for the photo booth and arranging volunteers and staging for Santa and activities. The committee said a revised flyer would be posted by Monday following the meeting and that members will verify performers and volunteer backups.