Hello Folks,
I was in Johnstown yesterday afternoon for wake or viewing –not the best reason to visit but...
However, I happened to have a conversation with a person, who by the way is an avid reader, participant of this Community Forum.
I was somewhat chastised, though I hope it was not the real intention of the person, about my posts on this forum about Community Events in the Pittsburgh region.
The crux of the conversation was: “Don't you realize, most people don't care about those events and they—the events-- don't really make that big of a difference in the Community anywayâ€. To my surprise, this person could be somewhat influential in the Johnstown area in helping economic growth in many ways including better promotion of Community Events. As a result of this conversation I sought out the “results†of last years Light-up Night in Pittsburgh and faxed them to him this morning as a way to share that there is in fact “real value†to ANY community event that “draws the masses†from far and wide.
Every community can benefit from “large scale†events economically, socially especially when “Main Street USA†is in such a fractured state. Here's some of the numbers
Light Up Night 2007 Pittsburgh: These numbers are the “estimate†based on the various methodologies to calculate such event outcomes:
Estimated actual attendees of 2007 Light Up Night Event: 200,000+
Percentage of People that spent money in Department stores during the event: 21%
Percentage of People that spent money in Specialty store during the event: 15%
Percentage of People who were students: 20%
Average cost of Parking for event: $8.87
Average spent in bars and Pubs PER GUEST during the event: $35.76
Average number in the event group that attended:5
Total Money Spent in these venues: $5.1 million for ONE NIGHT.
These figures do not include: hotel, public transit, other late night destination Bars, Pubs, Restaurants. These figures do not include the “residual income†of those who stayed the entire weekend, as the event is held on a Friday and many choose to stay in the city for other weekend events. These figures do not include the residual income to venues such as the Cultural Trust (Art and Theater), Zoo or Museums etc.
Factor all of those venues it is not out of line to add another $5 million+ for a total exceeding $10 million plus for a one-shot event.
I encourage everyone to take advantage for these activities in your respective communities. Be it, Folk Fest, Forth of July, events at the Roxbury Band Shell, Football Playoffs etc. These events do benefit the bottom line of most communities especially if the attendees SPEND MONEY.
I have witnessed in Johnstown first hand that many folks arrive at an event, such as tonights Parade, attend and leave without spending a few bucks on a hot chocolate, beer or shopping. Granted, the venues downtown Johnstown are limited. However, EVERY dime, dollar spent consistently at local establishments, will develop a track record for those who may be thinking about investing in the community by opening a business. Businesses will not open or remain if the support is not there. Just hoping for a new store dosen't get it. This is not just a problem in the Johnstown market. The advent of suburbia in the 50's,60's, and 70's killed Main Street. But there are Main Street communities nationwide that are reinventing themselves and thriving. And as we all know, “If you build it—but do not market, promote and utilize your Main Street—they, new businesses won't come. Without the community members as the “primary and sustaining investors†try as you might the community will not thrive.
As always I appreciate your interest in the Pittsburgh area. I also hope that those who doubt Johnstown can re-invent itself, would attend some of the events downtown regularly and spend some cash consistently in the downtown venues—no matter how few—as a means to encourage the community as a viable resource.
I hope you all enjoy your Light Up night, football playoffs or whatever Community event you may participate in this weekend. For myself, it's 2p and I have just enough time to “get it together†to hop the subway downtown and enjoy and participate in the Light Night events here in the 'burg. I am interested to see what develops this year since we had the game here last night with the Bungles and many folks chose to stay over for tonights event.
Let me tell you, was it cold at Heinze Field last night or what?
I sat in the hot tub till about 2:30 this am and still need some defrosting. That's where the Giovanni and Gin will come in handy tonight! Talk about light-up night...let the games begin!
Anyway, enjoy and I hope this explains why I spend so much time doing what I do.
