Ever wondered how a small community event can transform into a buzzing festival with 34,000 annual visitors? Well, your curiosity ends here. Join us as we journey into the heart of Washington's festival culture with Peggy Doering, the Executive Director of Spokane Valley's renowned Valley Fest. Her insights into the evolution of this fascinating event from its humble inception at a county park to the citywide phenomenon it is today, encapsulate the growth of Spokane Valley both in terms of its population and the dynamism of its diverse community.
Moving on from the growth of Valley Fest, we dive into the world of event coordination, exploring the trials and triumphs that come with it. We focus on the tireless work of volunteers, often the unsung heroes behind the seamless execution of such large scale events. We also share a deeply inspiring personal journey of the chairman of Valley Fest who, starting with no experience in event planning, was recently nominated for induction into the Washington Festival and Event Association Hall of Fame. Alongside, we acknowledge the role of community festivals and how they can evolve learning from larger events, underscoring the contributions of the Washington Festival Event Association.
Rounding off our discussion, we talk about Valley Fest's transition into a freestanding non-profit, emphasizing the importance of embracing change and innovation in the realm of event planning. Striking the delicate balance between securing funds, managing population growth, and keeping the community engaged is a challenge we dissect in this part of our conversation. The story of Valley Fest, its unique charm, and its impact on the Spokane Valley community unfolds through our engaging chat with Peggy. So tune in to unravel the magic that makes Valley Fest a special gem in the festival circuit.
Follow OHTD on Facebook!
Follow OHTD on IG!
Jon Stone's consulting practice
