A Festival and Event City
You might not realize it because they seem so commonplace here, but Louisville is a superstar when it comes to putting on festivals and events. Better yet, festivals and events create tremendous capital, generating healthy sources of revenue through tourism while contributing significantly to the quality of life and our overall attractiveness.
The World Festival and Event City Award
A few weeks ago, the International Festivals & Events Association announced and recognized the 2010 recipients of the inaugural “IFEA World Festival and Event City” award during the 55th Annual IFEA Convention and Expo in Saint Louis. The award is a way for the industry to support and recognize positive local environments for festivals and events worldwide.
The Winner of the World Festival and Event City Award
You guessed it, Possibilitator: as Top North American City for Populations of Over One Million, Louisville was judged Number One in its class, “co-winning” the award with Sydney, Australia, which won it internationally. Governmental leadership coupled with professional and volunteer guidance was highlighted for its role in helping the events thrive economically and culturally.
Celebrating the Winner of the World Festival and Event City Award
Join us in the presentation of this international award this Friday, December 10 at 1:30 p.m. in the lobby of the KFC Yum! Center (Third and Main Streets). Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson and Louisville Mayor-Elect Greg Fischer will be there to accept the award from Steve Schmader, President and CEO of IFEA. Also, a cool dozen of Possibility City’s homegrown festivals and events – from St. James to Forecastle — will receive awards for their special-ness.
Sharing the Winner of the World Festival and Event City Award Winner
You’re a mover and shaker. A Possibilitator. And just maybe you’re someone who knows of an event or an organization that should call Louisville home. Maybe your second-cousin-twice-removed is in charge of selecting a city to host its next convention, or your Uncle Morty got saddled with finding a cool place for next year’s annual company meeting.
Let us know what you know . . . and how you’d suggest we sell Louisville as a place where events, festivals, meetings, and conventions long to be. Send us an email by clicking here.
Did You Know . . .
- Louisville tourism generates $200 million in state and local taxes annually.
- The economic impact of direct visitor spending in Louisville is $1.1 billion.
- Tourism is the third-largest service industry in Louisville
More Hot Bodywork and Muscle Than a Detroit Gym Pose-Off
From hot rods to cool rides, here in Possibility City every tricked-out cruiser is a potential crowd favorite. This week sees the arrival of two cataclysmic forces as chilled-out art cars meet bad-to-the-bone hot rods.
The 40th Annual Street Rod Nationals
Beginning on August 6, thousands of street rods will roll into town, rumbling through town, flaunting incredible paint-jobs, and drawing lustful stares from young and old. The National Street Rods Association is recognized as the world’s largest automotive participation event, attracting over 30,000 attendees, and generating more than $15 million in economic impact.
The 8th Annual Kentucky Art Car Weekend
Starting that very same day, The Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft and the International Contemporary Art Foundation will host the Kentucky Art Car Weekend that’ll showcase over 40 art cars from around the U.S. and Canada, including a repeat visit from the world-famous Camera Van. You want economic impact? The California Fantasy Van is covered in over $15,000 worth of coins and over 5,000 brass, copper, and bronze objects.
And Let Us Not Forget Those on Two Wheels
In conjunction with the exhibit “Wind in Your Hair: Vintage Motorcycles,” the KMAC Gallery Shop will host a book signing by Matthew Biberman, author of Big Sid’s Vincati’s memoir The Story of a Father, a Son, and the Motorcycle of a Lifetime. Mention this story if you buy something, and you’ll get a 20% discount.
This Week’s FOL Recruitment Tip
Remember, we’re on the road to enrolling 20,000 members. In the spirit of covering cars with tacky appeals for attention, how about picking up some
free Friend of Lou bumper stickers. Stop by the Visitor Information Center at 4th and Jefferson or
click here to collect the goods.
Everything From Magic Car Trips to Magic Carpets
Call it magic, call it dream-foolery, call it sheer Lounacy, but as a Friend of Lou you know how attractive Possibility City is.
Whether you’re a magic lamp collector or a Hot Rod enthusiast, Louisville’s a place that enchants convention guests from everywhere. This week alone, in fact, everyone from FBI agents to gospel quartet singers stayed for a short spell.
Are you the type who needs proof? Then watch this video.
Bewitch Others
Now, if you watched the video all the way through, and we hope you did, you’ll have noticed the brazen recruitment appeal at the end. We’re gearing up for a September drive to sign up 20,000 Friends of Lou.
If you’re a bona fide Lou-Na-Tic like Carol Hensley, who recently signed up 15 Friends of Lou in two weeks, you’ll already know some of the cool tricks you can conjure up to get people interested in becoming fellow-FOLs.
If not, why, just click here to be carried away to a wondrous page containing a veritable treasure trove of information.
PS For those who prefer science and technology to sorcery and wizardry, there’s a special bonus waiting for you too. Click here, then be sure to pay attention to the last part of the video.
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