A 2011 economic impact study of Columbus’ flagship festival has received national recognition. Main Street Now, The Journal of The National Trust Main Street Center, featured the study on Market Street Festival. The study is part of an article entitled, “Measuring the Economic Impact of Special Events.”
“Being recognized is always an honor, especially on a national level,” Columbus Main Street Executive Director Amber Brislin said. “Even more special about this recognition is that this publication serves as a guide and training tool for Main Street programs and event organizers throughout the country.”
Market Street Festival has been held annually since 1996. It receives its funding through corporate sponsors and through a grant from the Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau. The festival drew an estimated 36,000 people this year.
Among the key points in the study of the 2011 festival, conducted by Mississippi State University’s Extension Service, are attendance and the economic impact of the festival.
According to the study, 34,000 visitors spent an estimated $7.32 million with local merchants on various goods and services in Columbus during the festival, with $3.66 million attributed to visitors. The average spending by a festival-goer was divided into four categories: food services and drinking establishments, $141.75; general merchandise, $85.31; hotel and accommodations, $84.31 and exhibitors at the festival, $88.91. The statistics were cited in the article. Brislin said her goal is to ensure future festival success.
“It is our responsibility to continue to analyze our efforts in order to grow and to have continued success,” she said.
Brislin said she hopes the study and the national recognition show the validity of the festival both financially and for its volunteers.
“When we conducted this survey for Market Street Festival it was to show the overall economic and community impact that the event has, and needless to say we were thrilled with the results,” she said. “One of the most important aspects of the study is that it confirmed that all of the efforts involved and both financial and in-kind support are very significant, not only for a successful annual event but also have a lasting effect on our community.
“Market Street Festival truly takes an army to produce each year and this recognition and the positive study results should make everyone involved proud. I would personally like to thank everyone that works so hard to make the event an annual success, these efforts last well beyond the first weekend in May each year.”
Jeff Clark was previously a reporter for The Dispatch.
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