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Winnsboro approves $20,000 for Center for the Arts festivals after presentation of attendance data
Summary
The EDC approved a $20,000 funding request for the Winnsboro Center for the Arts' four festivals after Mary White reviewed attendance, survey and geofencing data showing regional draw and areas for growth.
The Winnsboro Economic Development Corporation voted to fund the Winnsboro Center for the Arts with $20,000 to support four annual festivals after a presentation on attendance and outreach data.
Mary White, representing the Winnsboro Center for the Arts, told the board the Art & Wine Festival drew about 3,600 attendees based on survey responses, with roughly 48% first-time visitors and 3% overnight stays. White said the Cowboy Music & Poetry Gathering attracted about 525 attendees and that ticketed headliner events drew higher percentages of visitors from out of the immediate region. The book festival last year reached roughly 1,000 attendees, and Bloom — now in its fourth year — has been expanded into multiple weekends and linked with walking tours and merchant participation.
White described efforts to standardize a five-question survey, use Eventbrite ZIP-code downloads and geofencing technology to triangulate attendance, and pursue state tourism grants and local sponsorships to grow the events’ economic impact.
A board member moved to approve a $20,000 funding allocation for the 2026 festivals; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote.
