John Chavis Historical Society says CultureFest drew 7,100 visitors and asks Oxford for funding support

Representatives of the John Chavis Historical Society presented a summary of CultureFest to the Oxford Board of Commissioners on June 9 and asked the city for financial support to stabilize the event’s budget.

Kathy Anna, event planner and producer for the society, told the board the festival drew an estimated 7,100 visitors to downtown Oxford this year. “We have an estimated attendance of 7,100 that came into our city into Downtown Oxford,” she said, and noted the event generated about $463,000 in economic output on an operational budget of roughly $33,000, with more than 80% of operational spending staying in Granville County.

Presentation slides and discussion detailed visitor spending assumptions (an average spend of about $42 per attendee was used in the society’s conservative scenario) and a local procurement strategy that prioritized local vendors when feasible. Organizers said the John Chavis Historical Society often fills year‑to‑year budget gaps—paying performers and covering shortfalls when vendor and sponsor revenue falls short—and requested the city consider a formal funding arrangement to avoid repeated reliance on the nonprofit’s reserves.

Commissioners praised CultureFest’s role in youth engagement and regional tourism and asked questions about timing, marketing and budget details. A board member suggested exploring a Friday‑night headline performance to encourage overnight stays and greater economic return. Presenters said they will post photos and materials to the festival website and share follow‑up materials with staff.

No formal appropriation was made at the meeting; organizers asked the board to consider the request and indicated they would return with specific funding proposals or documentation as needed.