Festival review highlights record attendance and challenges in alcohol pricing
September 02, 2024 | Mitchell, Davison County, South Dakota
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The Corn Palace Events and Entertainment Board convened on September 2, 2024, in Mitchell, South Dakota, to review the recent festival and discuss future improvements. The meeting commenced at 4:02 PM, with board members approving the minutes from the previous meeting and the agenda, which included an executive session.
The primary focus of the meeting was a comprehensive review of the festival's performance. Board members discussed the financial outcomes, noting that while ticket sales increased, presale numbers were down due to late price announcements from the ticketing company. The price for presale tickets rose from $49 to $52, with additional increases during the festival. Despite this, total revenue was reported as the highest in five years, with approximately $23,000 in sponsorships secured.
Concerns were raised about incidents during the festival, including minor altercations that required police intervention. However, overall feedback on the festival was positive, with attendance figures indicating over 2,500 attendees at peak events. The board acknowledged challenges faced by vendors, particularly on the final day, which saw a significant drop in attendance due to extreme heat warnings.
Discussion also included the logistics of ticketing and entry processes, with suggestions for improving efficiency during peak times. Board members noted that long lines at entry points were an issue, particularly for those with special tickets. Recommendations included clearer signage and possibly implementing a ticketing system similar to that used at state fairs, which could streamline the purchasing process.
The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for ongoing outreach to potential sponsors and vendors to enhance future events. The board expressed optimism about building on this year's successes while addressing the identified challenges to improve the overall festival experience. Further discussions will continue in the next meeting, where additional strategies for enhancing attendance and vendor participation will be explored.
The primary focus of the meeting was a comprehensive review of the festival's performance. Board members discussed the financial outcomes, noting that while ticket sales increased, presale numbers were down due to late price announcements from the ticketing company. The price for presale tickets rose from $49 to $52, with additional increases during the festival. Despite this, total revenue was reported as the highest in five years, with approximately $23,000 in sponsorships secured.
Concerns were raised about incidents during the festival, including minor altercations that required police intervention. However, overall feedback on the festival was positive, with attendance figures indicating over 2,500 attendees at peak events. The board acknowledged challenges faced by vendors, particularly on the final day, which saw a significant drop in attendance due to extreme heat warnings.
Discussion also included the logistics of ticketing and entry processes, with suggestions for improving efficiency during peak times. Board members noted that long lines at entry points were an issue, particularly for those with special tickets. Recommendations included clearer signage and possibly implementing a ticketing system similar to that used at state fairs, which could streamline the purchasing process.
The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for ongoing outreach to potential sponsors and vendors to enhance future events. The board expressed optimism about building on this year's successes while addressing the identified challenges to improve the overall festival experience. Further discussions will continue in the next meeting, where additional strategies for enhancing attendance and vendor participation will be explored.
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