To many readers one or more of these annual events are sacrosanct. Not only do they mark their calendars to ensure attendance, but they attend one or more days. And of course they spend money.
The Red River Revel is a mainstay along with the State Fair. The Film Fest events are highly touted although not as well attended. Barring bad weather, attendance at these three biggies usually grows each year.
The Tourist Bureau always pushes major economic benefits for practically anything that happens in the area. One report had it that two Bossier Councilmen rode over the bridge to lunch at the Blind Tiger with a Shreveport council person. It was estimated that the event resulted in a $25,000 economic benefit. I think the math was $10 grand for the Bossier guys and $5k for the Shreveport councilman.
But what NEGATIVE impact do these three events have on local businesses--retailers, bars, restaurants, etc. Most people acknowledge that recreational dollars in household budgets are limited and that expenditures at the Revel, the State Fair and Film Fest deplete that bucket. I doubt many people set up Christmas club accounts to pull money out for these three events.
The sales tax reports for each month are generated a month late. After the months of Sept,. October and Nov. are posted, a sales tax expert will be asked to evaluate and compare to last year. These sales tax numbers are NOT broken down so direct sales taxes collected and remitted from these three events will not be broken out for review.
Representatives from these three organizations are welcome to provide their input. Readers are invited to ask the owners/managers of their fav retailers, restaurants and bars about the impact of these events on their sales. Sales taxes and the money from Revel art sales, film fest prizes and state fair vendors usually goes out of the region, if not the state.