Outdoor Festivals & Events

OUTDOOR FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Many communities host large outdoor festivals in their downtown area to drive visitation and exposure. These events may focus on vendor sales, performing arts, or civic events; or they may include a combination of all of these activities.

Large Scale Event Considerations Large scale events may attract thousands of visitors over a period of several days. This has the potential for significant economic activity in the community that will benefit local businesses and will result in substantial tax revenue for the local municipalities. The added benefits of a large and successful event will continue to add economic value to the community through ongoing marketing exposure. However, a large event requires substantial local coordination amongst civic leadership, public safety officials, businesses, and residents. Preparing for such an event will likely require months of planning which results in strong organization and clear roles and responsibilities. Large scale events also require significant infrastructure including public restroom facilities, access to power and water, a coordinated parking strategy, temporary wayfinding, and other logistical considerations.

Coordinating with other Tourism Initiatives Large scale events should be a component of a welldeveloped tourism strategy. This strategy can collectively market the general tone and experience that visitors should expect when they visit the area, whether they visit casually or they come to the area to specifically attend an event.

The Village of Caldwell hosts an annual holiday event called 'A Village Christmas to Remember'. The event celebrates the holiday season and draws substantial visitors to Downtown Caldwell. The event features horse drawn carriage rides, a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, a Village Christmas Parade, an ice skating rink, and various other events. The event draws substantial and sustained visitation throughout the duration of the event.

CASE STUDY: A VILLAGE CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER

Image: www.caldwellohio.org

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For additional information, please contact your local Buckeye Hills Regional Council representative, call 1-800-331-2644, or visit www.buckeyehills.org