City CouncilJanuary 7, 2014

River Fest

River Fest• River Fest was mostly a success.• Objectives: celebrate completion of improvements

and 100th anniversary of Santa Fe Park.• Goals:

• Attendance of 8-10,000.• Break even financially or make some $ for next event.• Have some beneficial economic impact.• Provide mostly free fun and entertainment for the

community for a little more than 1 day.

River Fest• River Fest was a collaborative effort:

• City of San Angelo• Downtown San Angelo• Convention and Visitors’ Bureau• Chamber of Commerce• San Angelo Host• Mclaughlin Advertising• San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts• Girl Scouts• Vega Washer Pitching

River Fest• River Fest was a collaborative effort (continued):

• Race Texas (Color Up 5K)• Art in Uncommon Places• San Angelo Cultural Affairs Council• KIDY, Foster Communication, KLST, KGKL, Standard-

Times, 106.1 MDX, KSAN• Two Pro Management (Santa Fe Golf Course)• International Water Lily Collection• Angelo State University students• Concho Cruises• Several financial and in-kind sponsors

River Fest• Challenges:

• Weather.• Carnival cancellation.• Event occurred over large area.• Limited support staff.• Funding.• Competing events.

River Fest• Major Pluses:

• Most activities free.• Brought several organizations to work together.• Highlighted river improvements.• Lots of good feedback (interest for the event).• Good level of sponsorships, donations and financial

support outside of the City.• Raised $1,500 for the Wounded Warrior Project and

$12,140 for river tree planting.

River Fest• Did We Meet Our Goals?

• Attendance was about 7,000.• Revenue less expenses was about ($7,500).• Economic Impact estimated at $400,000.• Most folks had some good free fun.

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River Fest• Most Popular Activities (Keepers):

• Color Up 5k• Kids’ Court• Washer Pitching Tournament• International Water Lily Collection Tours

• Other Keepers:• Girl Scout activities• Paddle boats

River Fest• Try Again/Give More Effort:

• Cardboard boat regatta (find group to coordinate)• Golf Tournament• Skate demonstrations (find a group to coordinate)

• Least Popular Activities:• Balloon• Kids’ Kingdom activities

River Fest• Lessons Learned/Other Considerations:

• Tighten up scope of area.• Better define sponsorship levels.• Improve layout of concessions and Kids’ Court.• Better link between event partners.• Add performers.• Broaden range of musical performers.• Consider adding bbq cookoff.• Consider arts and crafts vendors.• Consider moving date of event.

River Fest• Should this become an annual event?

• If “yes,” we’ll begin to coordinate for next year and will prepare a request for some funding (core expenses) through the budget process ($10-15,000).