by David Chapman
Staff Writer
The months of April and May bring more than just showers and flowers to Northeast Florida as the rising temperatures also bring a rise in the number of featured signature events across the region.
Each event does more than just entertain and culture its audience, though, as the many thousands who will frequent each venue will also bring their wallets and boost the local economy.
The crowds, entertainment and subsequent dollars begin rolling in this weekend, with the “Springing the Blues” festival in Jacksonville Beach and the “Blessing of the Fleet” Downtown.
“It’s no different than say, when a large sporting event comes to town,” said Sam Veal, executive director of the annual Springing the Blues festival. ”Our three days generate more than 5,000 (hotel) room nights and when you combine that with people doing what people do and spending money, you’re definitely going to have a positive economic impact.”
Veal has calculated the annual festival, held today–Sunday at the Seawalk Pavillion, to have around a $3.2 million local economic impact and attract around 140,000 people over the three days. He attributes the festival’s continued popularity as an indicator of the cultural relevance blues music has had in influencing other styles of music such as jazz, country and hip-hop — as well as the various food vendors and booths offered.
“It attracts all walks of life, all states of life,” said Veal.
It’s not the only waterbound festivity kicking off the event-laden two months, as the “Blessing of the Fleet” returns to Downtown along the Northbank Riverfront Park Saturday beginning at 2 p.m. The annual event is a Palm Sunday weekend tradition that asks for good weather and safe boating for the navigational season and should be attended by more than 100 boaters said Theresa O’Donnell Price, director of the City’s Office of Special Events.
Like the “Springing the Blues” festival, another popular festival that’s become a tradition in Northeast Florida is still drawing huge crowds and dollars for the area.
The “Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival” in Fernandina Beach returns for its 46th year and despite a shaky economy, both the entertainment and business aspects that come with such an event look promising.
“It is shaping up really nicely,” said Sandy Price, executive director of the “Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival”.
Price noted that all of the festival’s sponsors, including head sponsor Publix, are returning this year and instead of seeing fewer corporations willing to participate, it’s been just the opposite — the festival has added several new sponsors.
“We’re very, very fortunate for all of the continued and increased support (for the Festival),” said Price. “It’s an indicator that the festival is of value to them.”
An economic impact study done last year, she said, showed the festival generated about $16.2 million for the local community over its three-and-a-half days and is generally attended by around 135,000 people within that same time.
Part of that money raised at the local level comes from the food booths set up, with 26 total this year, where funds go directly toward different Nassau County based nonprofit organizations.
“Much of it gets reinvested back into the community,” said Price. “Especially in this economy, that’s important.”
The Isle of Eights isn’t the only event that has seen an increase in sponsorships in a down economy as another event — though it’s undergone some changes — has seen a similar trend.
The MPS Group Championships has undergone a sponsor change — from Bausch & Lomb to MPS Group — and venue change — from Amelia Island to Sawgrass — and the revamped women’s professional tennis tournament has benefitted.
“We have high expectations for the event both on the court and for the area,” said Mark Stevens, vice president of marketing for MPS Group. “It’s new for us and we’re all really excited to see what happens.”
According to Sandy Kavanaugh, tournament director of public relations, the change in venues has created an additional buzz among local businesses.
“Since our move (from Amelia Island to Ponte Vedra) and by being closer to Jacksonville, it’s created a sense of heightened awareness,” said Kavanaugh. “More so this year than in years past.”
Closing out the two months of events is one that’s become a Jacksonville tradition itself and like the MPS Group Championships, it’s undergone a few changes as well.
The Jacksonville Jazz Festival returns May 21–24 with a new location in the heart of Downtown along Laura Street and a new – and now permanent date — on Memorial Day weekend.
The big changes for the future hope to have a big impact for attendees and local businesses, said O’Donnell Price.
“With a permanent home on Memorial Day and a new venue, we’re looking forward to how the (Jacksonville) Jazz Festival is going to affect the area,” said O’Donnell Price. “Before, it was a rotating date and people couldn’t as easily plan to come into town ... and people who are into jazz do travel for these festivals.”
O’Donnell said members of the Special Events Department recently met with local hotel officials, who showed their enthusiasm for the fixed future holiday date to increase their business.
And she’s looking forward to seeing the numbers following the changes.
“With all the changes we’ll probably do (economic impact) studies after this year,” said O’Donnell Price. “It’s a little bit different this year and we’re excited about all of it.”
Lineup of events
Below are just some of the signature events taking place in Northeast Florida in April and May.
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