Articles
Getting Down And Dirty
As the program director at a rural university in the Mississippi Delta, I am challenged in finding innovative and unique methods to subsidize an academic outdoor-recreation education program. In a region with
Don’t Just Wing It
The instantly recognizable orange and black butterfly is the star and focus of the Minneapolis Monarch Festival ~ Festival de la Monarca. Co-produced by the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB) and
Light A Fire Under Your Event
As parks and recreation professionals, we at some point in our career will be involved in events that include fireworks. Typically, these events are some of the largest-attended ones of the year. In many cases,
Organizing A Pride Event
Whether it’s an annual Super Bowl party, Thanksgiving, or even a wedding, special events truly are of monumental importance to us all. Some may look forward all year to hosting an annual New Year’s Eve
More Muscle
In the last six years, the Wheaton Park District in Illinois has given more than $700,000 in special-event proceeds to local nonprofits and organizations. While the park district maintains a portion of the proceeds
Drippin’ With Success
A festival that began with a small chicken cook-off years ago has grown to be a family tradition for many residents in the Texas Hill Country. The Founders Day Festival in Dripping Springs—a small city located 25
Sucking Wind
The 2017 Selah Base Race (www.selahbaserace.com) was supposed to be the biggest in its six-year history. I spent two years rebranding the race after I took over as parks and recreation director. This meant
Create A Personal Best
To outsiders, a triathlon is one event. To those who plan the event and the athletes who participate, it’s actually three events that take months of training and dedication. As a triathlete, I know firsthand that I
A Dog-Gone Good Time
n the fall of 2008, a new canine-friendly family tradition was begun in the city of Chandler (Ariz.) with the inaugural Woofstock, also known as “The Great Chandler Dog Walk,” at Tumbleweed Park. Since then,
The Best In Special Events
Let’s face it—if you’re bored with your list of programs, so are your visitors. Seniors can only yell “bingo” so many times, and although the quest for tricks and treats probably never gets old for children at Halloween,
Can We Borrow Your Rec Center?
Recreation departments are under increased pressure to satisfy the demands for a broad range of leisure activities for participants of all ages.
Permission To Launch
How does a park provide a safe and inclusive atmosphere for a balloon festival that draws more than 100,000 people over three days?
A Crescendo Of Creativity
Located just north of Indianapolis, Ind., the city of Fishers Parks & Recreation Department is taking center stage—or rather building one. Over the past five years, while the city has taken a
Pulling The Plug On Nighttime Programs
Imagine planning a nighttime event in the winter without supplying heat or electricity. Instead, the Sully Historic Site in Virginia creates a holiday spirit, setting the house aglow with flickers
Prepare To Plan
The great baseball slugger Roger Maris was famously quoted: “You hit home runs not by chance, but by preparation.” In the world of special events, that concept of thor
Eternal Vigilance
As representatives from the original 13 colonies gathered in Philadelphia late on the afternoon of July 4, 1776, to sign the Declaration of Independence, President of the Continental Congress,
Event Templates
Do you use templates for marketing materials? Probably. What about for an automated email response? This is likely a template that you built quickly, and it goes out anytime you receive
With A Little Luck
What does it take to roll out the green carpet to more than 100,000 guests? Much more than the “luck of the Irish.”
Special Events
Let's be honestСthere are enough Fall Festivals and Harvest Festivals across the country. Are you ready to shake it up a bit? Pick a themeСthe more unusual the betterСand plan a whole festival or event around it. Having trouble thinking of one?
Event Planning
On September 26, 2009, the town of New Windsor, located in Orange County, N.Y., had its first Community Day. The event had limited funds, which meant limited attractions.