High Street Fest drew an estimated 6,500 visitors and boosted local vendor sales, presenters say
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Summary
Presenters told the EDA that High Street Fest generated roughly 6,500 visitors for the day, about $50,000 in sales for brought‑in vendors and large percentage increases for many brick‑and‑mortar businesses; organizers also noted operational lessons on security, vendor placement and parking messaging.
The Portsmouth Partnership presented results from October’s High Street Fest, reporting that event data (via Placer.ai and other marketing channels) showed about 6,500 visitors on the festival day and roughly 2,000,000 cumulative impressions across marketing channels.
Presenters said the EDA invested $35,035 toward a production budget of approximately $150,000 and secured $21,000 in corporate sponsorships plus substantial in‑kind contributions. Organizers reported 105 vendors in the footprint (85 selling goods and 20 informational), average vendor engagement figures and an estimated $50,000 in sales for vendors brought to the event.
Speakers highlighted benefits for brick‑and‑mortar businesses, reporting average sales increases and several vendor examples (bars and restaurants showing double‑digit percentage increases in sales, individual vendors reporting top sales days). Organizers also reviewed operational challenges—vendor clustering, unapproved food trucks appearing, and some security contractor shortcomings—and recommended changes to vendor placement, stage configuration and wayfinding for future events.
Next steps: organizers will refine vendor placement and security arrangements, pursue improved signage and wayfinding, and consider repeating the expanded footprint at future High Street events.