CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2023 IFEA/HAAS & WILKERSON INSURANCE PINNACLE AWARD WINNERS

The International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) and Haas & Wilkerson Insurance recognized the outstanding accomplishments and top-quality creative, promotional, operational and community outreach programs and materials produced by Festivals and Events around the world* on Monday, October 9, 2023 at the 66th Annual IFEA Convention, Expo & Retreat, presented by Clover, in McAllen, Texas, U.S.A., as the winners of the 2023 IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards were announced.

Sponsored by industry leader Haas & Wilkerson Insurance, the professional competition drew entries from some of the world’s top festivals and events*. Winning entries came from organizations as diverse as the Cherry Creek Arts Festival in Denver, CO; the Dublin Irish Festival in Dublin, OH; the South Texas International Film Festival in Edinburg, TX; the Saint Louis Art Fair in St. Louis, MO; the Kentucky Derby Festival in Louisville, KY; the Pasadena Tournament of Roses in Pasadena, CA; the City of McAllen Holiday Parade in McAllen, TX; the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City, MI; The Parade Company in Detroit, MI; the Philadelphia Flower Show in Philadelphia, PA; the United San Antonio Pow Wow in San Antonio, TX; the Washington’s Birthday Celebration in Laredo, TX; ¡ARTE VIVA! in Naples, FL; and Folklorama in Winnipeg, MB, Canada; Canada Together in Vancouver, BC, Canada; Vivid Sydney in Sydney, Australia; Festival Lent in Maribor, Slovenia; and Chiang Mai Blooms in Bangkok, Thailand.

Awards* were handed out in 70 different categories including: TV/ Radio, Social and Multimedia; Print and Merchandise, in addition to Festival and Event programs such as Sponsorship; Education, Accessibility; Children’s; Emergency Preparedness and Entertainment. The Grand Pinnacle, the highest award given by the IFEA in recognition of those Festivals and Events* who have a balance of all the elements necessary to ensure a successful event, was also awarded.

*All winners are selected from those Festivals and Events who specifically enter the competition. Each category is separated into four separate budget categories. Each entry is judged within those budget categories, against the criteria and requirements of the specific category.

The IFEA and Haas & Wilkerson Insurance would like to congratulate not only the Grand Pinnacle Winners listed below, but all the 2023 IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Award Winners!

• To view the complete list of 2023 IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Award Winners CLICK HERE.

• IFEA MEMBERS, to view the 2023 IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Award Winning Entries, Log-In from the following page CLICK HERE.

• To view photos of all the 2023 IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Award Winners, CLICK HERE.

Gold - Grand Pinnacle - Budget: Under $100,000

McAllen Public Library - South Texas Book Festival – McAllen, TX, United States

McAllen Book Festival was established in 2014 with thousands of attendees from all over South Texas and beyond. It is the region’s only festival for children, teens, and their families. Combining literacy promotion, regional & national authors, and children’s entertainment in a festive atmosphere, McAllen Public Library (MPL) promotes a lifelong habit of reading for pleasure and fun. In August 2018, we re-branded our annual book festival and now have a new name, logo, and broader appeal. McAllen Book Festival (MBF) is now South Texas Book Festival (STBF). Although we intend to stay local as STBF, we want to welcome the community beyond McAllen and expand our target demographic. Families from South Texas attend our festival, and the name change more accurately describes our expanded reach. Anew logo came along with the excitement of the name change. For more information, Click Here.

Silver - Grand Pinnacle - Budget: Under $100,000

City of Pigeon Forge – Wilderness Wildlife Week – Pigeon Forge, TN, United States

The purpose, objective and mission of Wilderness Wildlife Week is to raise awareness within the general public to the issues concerning the natural environment and, in particular, adversities facing Great Smoky Mountains National Park, as well as environmental and species-related triumphs.

Programs are designed to impart the practice of good environmental stewardship to the general public while increasing public knowledge of the varied ways to protect the environment through the many educational lectures and materials available onsite.

Additionally, it is Wilderness Wildlife Week’s goal to promote an active interest in Appalachian artistic and cultural programs such as painting, basket making, music and other forms of modern art such as photography; to help affect the way people view environmental responsibilities and to increase overnight visitation to Pigeon Forge during a traditionally slow tourism period.For more information, Click Here.

Bronze - Grand Pinnacle - Budget: Under $100,000

Pittsburgh Irish Festival – BRIGID – Pittsburgh, PA, United States

BRIGID, A Celebration of the Celtic Goddess and Patron Saint of Ireland was held on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at the Rosemary Heyl Theatre in Antonian Hall at Carlow University. BRIGID is a non-religious event, created by the team at the Pittsburgh Irish Festival with the mission to celebrate Brigid the Saint, Brigid the Goddess, to be a celebration of Irish and Celtic Women, to celebrate light and Springtime, and to celebrate of Irish and Celtic culture overall. The other main goal was to create awareness of Brigid, who she was, what she symbolizes, her miracles, her importance to Celtic culture, and contributions to history. The event featured an all-female line-up of Irish and Celtic entertainers. For more information, Click Here.

Gold - Grand Pinnacle - Budget: $100,000 to $750,000

Lubbock Arts Alliance - Lubbock Arts Festival – Lubbock, TX, United States

Prepare to be captivated, inspired, and delighted at the 45th Annual Lubbock Arts Festival in Lubbock, Texas. This extraordinary event sets itself apart with its vibrant musical theme, captivating visual art exhibits, breathtaking décor, outstanding programming, and an impressive lineup of talented artists and performers. Step into a world where education, inspiration, and pure joy intertwine as the Festival unfolds. Experience the magic of “Beat Goes On!” - an event unlike any other, where every moment is designed to enchant and leave a lasting impression. The Festival has been managed by the Lubbock Arts Alliance since 1978, and has become recognized statewide as the largest fine arts and crafts event in West Texas. For more information, Click Here.

Silver - Grand Pinnacle - Budget: $100,000 to $750,000

Visit Stockton – Stockton Flavor Fest – Stockton, CA, United States

Stockton Flavor Fest was hosted May 19–21, 2023, at the Weber Point Events Center in Downtown Stockton. The three-day festival was a celebration of the food, music, and cultures that make up the diverse communities in Stockton, California, which has been called one of the most diverse cities in America (US News, 2020). In partnership with the City of Stockton and with the help of local nonprofits, organizations, artists, and creatives, Stockton Flavor Fest created a sense of pride and excitement in our community. For more information, Click Here.

Bronze - Grand Pinnacle - Budget: $100,000 to $750,000

Weatherford Chamber of Commerce – Parker County Peach Festival – Weatherford, TX, United States

The 37th Annual Parker County Peach Festival®, a premier Texas One-Day festival event was held on Saturday, July 9, 2022, in beautiful, historic downtown Weatherford, TX. Thousands of attendees purchased bushels of peaches and enjoyed lots of peachy treats. There were over 200 art/craft, food, and activity vendors, and two (2) entertainment stages and children’s activities. We pride ourselves on being a family-friendly event. For more information, Click Here.

Gold - Grand Pinnacle - Budget: $750,000 to $2 Million

Charlotte Center City Partners – Charlotte SHOUT! - Charlotte, NC, United States

Experience the electrifying atmosphere of Uptown Charlotte from March 31 to April 16 when Charlotte SHOUT! returns for an exciting multiweek festival. Celebrating creativity, innovation, diversity, and resilience, this event showcases nearly 200 captivating installations, performances, and activations. Discover the unique Pianodrome, America’s first amphitheater made entirely from upcycled pianos, and be enchanted by the interactive art installation, “POP!” Explore the serene Serenity Garden and immerse yourself in the mesmerizing “Affinity” light and sound adventure. Encounter the larger-than-life Roaming Gnomes and engage with the renowned “Impulse” interactive display. Delight in live music, indulge in culinary delights at the Charlotte StrEATs Festival, and uncover surprise installations throughout Uptown. Join us for an unforgettable experience at Charlotte SHOUT! For more information, Click Here.

Silver - Grand Pinnacle - Budget: $750,000 to $2 Million

Des Moines Arts Festival® - Des Moines, IA, United States

The Des Moines Arts Festival is Iowa’s largest and most prestigious arts and cultural event drawing over 200,000 people annually to downtown Des Moines the last weekend of June. The Festival featured 184 professional visual artists, their original artwork in a variety of mediums reflects the very best, having been juried from 765 applicants. Sponsors and non-profit organizations offered a variety of interactive arts activities designed to engage and enhance the experience for our guests. Live music, performing arts and strolling street theatre provided non-stop entertainment. Culinary offerings were provided by local and regional restaurants, breweries and mobile vendors. For more information, Click Here.

Bronze - Grand Pinnacle - Budget: $750,000 to $2 Million

City of McAllen - McAllen Parks & Recreation - McAllen Holiday Parade – McAllen, TX, United States

Over 185,000 people went above and beyond at the official South Pole of Texas this December 3, 2022 at the largest holiday and helium balloon parade in Texas, the McAllen Holiday Parade. The 2022 production featured host Mario Lopez, new celebrity appearances, 32 giant character balloons, 55 illuminated floats, 13 marching bands and the “original” home of the Vuelta Zone. The Vuelta is a Texas Tradition that began at the McAllen Holiday parade. The phenomenon known as “Vuelta,” or “turn” in Spanish has become a McAllen tradition. This year, thousands of visitors celebrated in the South Padre Island Vuelta Zone and chanted “Vuelta!” to cheer on hundreds of balloon handlers as they spun giant helium balloons. This tradition takes place in the zone and along the 1.5-mile parade route. The parade also celebrated the 2022 theme, “South Pole and Beyond” with a series of new giant space themed illuminated floats handcrafted by the McAllen Float Studio. Thousands of hours go into creating these one-of-a-kind floats each year which were proudly on display in this year’s parade. The new Skybox fan experience also premiered featuring Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, giveaways and more presented by the South Texas Airport of the Dallas Cowboys. In its ninth year, the event has been awarded the Best Parade in the World 5x and Best Parade in Texas 5x by the International and Texas Festival and Events Associations. For more information, Click Here.

Gold - Grand Pinnacle - Budget: Over $2 Million

Destination NSW - Vivid Sydney – The Rocks, NSW, Australia

Vivid Sydney is Australia’s largest event and the Southern Hemisphere’s largest festival of Light, Music, Ideas and Food. Celebrating creativity, innovation and technology, Vivid Sydney transforms the Harbour City annually into a kaleidoscope of colour and culture for 23 days and nights.

The festival is owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW, the New South Wales Government’s tourism and major events agency. A bright star on Sydney’s events calendar, Vivid Sydney is a signature event in NSW and plays a critical role in stimulating the visitor economy. Vivid Sydney contributes employment, tourism activity and entertainment for the people of Sydney and NSW, plus enrichment of our creative industries.

In 2023, for its 13thyear, Vivid Sydney united more than 300 events and 700 artists under the theme of ‘Vivid, Naturally’, looking toward and paying tribute to the natural world’s beauty, strength and resilience. With some of Australia and the globe’s most boundary-pushing artists, thought-leaders, musicians and culinary talents, Sydney shined bright as a beacon of world-leading creativity, culture and community For more information, Click Here.

Silver - Grand Pinnacle - Budget: Over $2 Million

Pennsylvania Horticultural Society - PHS Philadelphia Flower Show – Philadelphia, PA, United States

For 194 years, the Philadelphia Flower Show has showcased diverse and sustainable plant varieties, cutting-edge garden and design concepts, and stunning floral displays meant to inspire and educate attendees from around the world. The Flower Show hosts world renowned competitions in horticulture and artistic floral arranging, gardening presentations, demonstrations, and special events.

The Show’s 2022 theme was In Full Bloom, a double entendre for when flowers are at their peak that asked attendees to celebrate the passion for life we feel when we are emotionally “in full bloom.” This theme invited Show attendees to celebrate and explore the positive impact of nature in their lives, and conveyed good health and positive wellbeing. At a time when so many were turning to nature and the outdoors to find solace, the design and décor for the 2022 event celebrated our innate human connection to nature, plants, and gardens, featuring vibrant colors and interesting floral combinations that brought joy and wonder to guests during a time of uncertainty. For more information, Click Here.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE 2024 IFEA/HAAS & WILKERSON PINNACLE AWARD DEADLINES:

• 1st Early Bird Entry Deadline – Wednesday, March 6, 2024

• 2nd Early Bird Entry Deadline – Wednesday, May 1, 2024

• FINAL Entry Deadline – Wednesday, June 19, 2024

The 2024 IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Award Entry Brochure will be available in December, 2023. Online Submission will be accepted starting in January 2024.

The IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards are sponsored by Haas & Wilkerson Insurance. Haas & Wilkerson Insurance has proudly supported the IFEA and festivals and events industry for more than nearly three decades. As the presenting sponsor of the Annual IFEA Convention, Expo & Retreat, and the title sponsor of the IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards Program, they have helped to raise the quality and standards of excellence for festivals and events around the globe. With over 80 years of entertainment industry experience behind them, they provide insurance programs designed for each event’s specific needs and have a long list of clients that includes festivals, fairs, parades, carnivals and more. Learn more about them at www.hwins.com

Proud to insure excellence in the festivals & events industry