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Caddo Parish hears pitches from festivals and arts groups citing millions in local impact
Summary
A slate of festivals and arts organizations told the parish commission that events such as the State Fair, Red River Revel and Mudbug Madness draw tens of thousands of visitors and generate millions in local spending, and they asked for continued parish support for safety, parking and programming.
Organizers from multiple local festivals and arts groups presented to the Caddo Parish Commission, citing large visitor numbers, volunteer bases and local economic impact as they sought ongoing parish support.
Russell Adams, director of marketing for the State Fair, highlighted the fair’s livestock shows, rodeos and exhibitions and said the event’s operating budget is about $1,650,000. He told commissioners the fair’s recent economic-impact calculation totaled $10,868,675 and that the event supports hotel stays, vendors and local businesses. "We bring in funds through ticket sales, concessions, theater rentals, corporate sponsorships, donations, and grants," Adams said, urging upgrades to parking, lighting and perimeter fencing.
Terry Matthews, executive director of Downtown Shreveport Unlimited, described Mudbug Madness as a three-day draw that organizers estimate drew nearly 50,000 attendees this year and said DSU now requests Caddo Parish funding alongside private sponsorships and limited city and state support. "This is our first time to request Caddo Parish funds," Matthews said, adding that DSU operates with one staff member, a volunteer planning committee and hundreds of volunteers.
The Red River Revel presenter (referred to in the meeting as Logan) outlined Revel’s 50th-year plans and education programs for local schoolchildren. The presenter cited an economic-impact study that put Revel’s direct impact at $8.87 million and its total impact after circulation at roughly $13.36 million, with last year’s attendance at 53,644. "We can tell you how many cell phones were on the site throughout the entire time and compare that to years past," the presenter said, describing the festival’s methodology for attendance and spending figures.
Other presenters emphasized similar themes: Harold Seder of the Southern Hills Business Association described neighborhood outreach and a 250-member base; Kathy Garner said Christmas on Caddo’s one-day festival draws large family crowds and local sponsorship and reported a daily attendee figure she cited from organizers; Jayen Dunn of Art Hills outlined expansion plans that include a Juneteenth arts festival, culinary showcases and a film-and-TV summit aimed at workforce development.
Commissioners asked questions about funding sources and return on investment and stressed that parish grants must benefit the wider parish. Several commissioners and presenters noted the limits of parish authority and the need for partnerships across city, parish and state entities.
The meeting recessed for lunch with no formal votes taken on the funding requests. Presenters left commissioners with contact information and printed impact reports for follow-up.
