From the NMMS eNewsletter March 2011
Everyone loves a celebration and communities around the world are embracing their regional assets and culture through events. Because of the diversity of our communities in New Mexico, there is a lot to celebrate. Each MainStreet Project has the potential of creating festivals, events and activities that showcase what makes their downtown and their community unique.
Look beyond the obvious and explore some new territory to create your next event. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
A Moment in Time – Is there a compelling historical event or story that is unique to your community? Heritage Tourism is a growing market and you may have something to share with the world. An Example: Tombstone, AZ. This tiny town has capitalized on a ten minute gun fight and holds festivals with residents dressed in costumes over several days while thousands of tourists come to visit and see the OK Corral… the original corral is not even there anymore!
A Regional Product – Does your community produce something that people associate with your region? Create a signature event to celebrate the product. Chiles, peanuts, Santos, cheese, art, wind, wine, music, cows… whatever it may be, explore ways to celebrate this commodity in your community.
Something Totally Different – Don’t discount the draw of the totally weird and just plain fun. East Dublin, GA has held their Annual Summer Redneck Games for 13 years. From a mud pit belly flop to redneck horseshoes played with toilet seats and bobbing for pig’s feet, people flock from near and far to celebrate being a redneck. Is there something just plain different about your community that you can turn into an asset? Roswell did – Ask Dusty about their UFO Festival!
Put on your creative thinking cap and start working with your Promotions Committee to explore some ideas to create a new event or freshen an existing event. Don’t forget that NMMS is here to help you and assistance with your events is just a service request form away.