Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Daytona Beach pursues National Folk Festival bid; CVB asks the city for letters and community pledges
Summary
The Daytona Beach Area CVB presented an early‑stage bid to be the three‑year host of the National Folk Festival (2028+), outlining economic and community benefits, a timeline (letter of intent July 1; full proposal Aug 3) and a community pledge target of $500,000 (CVB committed $100K). CVB asked commissioners for a city letter of support and help securing private sponsorships and local commitments.
Representatives from the Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau described an early effort to bring the National Folk Festival — a free, three‑day traditional arts event that stays in a host city for three years — to Daytona Beach.
Kay Galloway (CVB) and Brian Bentley summarized the festival’s model and economic impact examples from other host communities, noting past host communities have reported 100,000+ attendees over a three‑day run and multi‑million‑dollar economic impacts. The presenters said the festival would be centered in the Beach Street and Esplanade area, but activities and economic effects would spread across the city.
The CVB outlined an accelerated schedule: the letter of intent is due July 1 and the full proposal is due August 3. The festival organizer requires evidence of broad community backing and a local funding pledge of $500,000 on paper (CVB committed $100,000); the CVB is actively soliciting corporate sponsors and suggested the city provide a support letter in the letter of intent. CVB staff and commissioners discussed potential uses of CRA or city funding later in the process, the role of public safety and traffic planning, and volunteer needs (estimated 800–1,000 volunteers first year).
Commissioners agreed to ask staff to coordinate with redevelopment and public safety departments, requested a memo about what a city financial commitment could look like, and authorized staff to draft a letter of support so the CVB can include municipal backing in the proposal if the commission directs it.
Why it matters: Hosting the National Folk Festival would be a multi‑year cultural and tourism investment aimed at generating visitation, hotel demand and a long‑term festival legacy for the city. The bid requires rapid community and private financial commitments in the coming weeks.
What’s next: CVB will gather pledges to reach the $500,000 threshold and requested a letter of support to include in its July/August submissions. City staff will return with options and a draft letter for commission consideration.
