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Red River Revel previews 50th year, cites $8.87M direct impact
Summary
Red River Revel organizers told the Caddo Parish Commission the festival’s 50th anniversary will include expanded field trips, a drone-plus-fireworks opening night and education programming; the presenter cited a study showing $8.87 million direct impact and 53,644 in last year’s attendance.
Organizers of the Red River Revel presented a 50th‑anniversary plan to the Caddo Parish Commission and described educational partnerships and an economic‑impact estimate they say underpins requests for continued support.
The Revel’s representative summarized programming across two weekends and four stages, and emphasized education: Caddo Parish fourth‑graders will be scheduled for field trips and a new program will serve students with severe autism. The presenter said the festival geo‑fences and surveys its site to estimate attendance and spending.
On measured effects, the presenter cited a direct economic impact of $8.87 million and an overall impact of about $13.36 million after recirculation, and said last year’s attendance was 53,644. "One in five people come from out of town," the presenter said, which festival organizers say drives hotel stays and restaurant sales. Organizers also noted rising festival costs, including contract labor for security and sanitation, and said they have reduced staff to compensate.
Commissioners thanked the Revel team and asked for a follow‑up packet; the presentation concluded with the organizer inviting commissioners to a stakeholder reveal event where the lineup and commemorative poster will be unveiled.
The commission recessed for lunch with no funding votes recorded during this session.
