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Beloit Riverfest Sponsorships Up Despite Slowing Economy
Music Festival Enter Its Third Decade
UPDATED: 1:39 pm CDT July 12,
2008
BELOIT, Wis. -- The slowing economy is taking a toll on summertime festivals but Beliot's Riverfest continues to go strong.
VIDEO: Watch The ReportRiverfest is in its third decade this year and is an event that has been embraced by the community, and music lovers alike, WISC-TV reported.Before the headlining act REO Speedwagon took to the stage Friday, local talent got to show their own stuff.It’s one of the reasons Beloit area residents step up to keep Riverfest A Rock County tradition."The people of Beloit are proud of this event," said Rod Beaudoin, the executive director of the event. "We have over 600 volunteers involved in it, and they're dedicated to it, they work extremely hard for it."Volunteers help but its sponsors that make the event happen.Earlier this month, the Harbor Fest Musical Festival in Racine was cancelled because of rising costs, and a 40 percent drop in sponsorships. It's a nationwide trend, that Beloit has managed to avoid, WISC-TV reported."We really have four or five major sponsors this year that we didn't have last year," said John McCally who does marketing work for Riverfest.Riverfest is the city's biggest attraction and attendance continues to rise. It's the type of event that helps Beloit continue to thrive, WISC-TV reported.Said Levi Cousin of the Atlanta Bread Company, one of the event's sponsors, "We know how much it means to be able to bring the community together in one place. Being able to help make that happen is a big reason why we do this."Local sponsors know that by investing in Riverfest, they'll see the return. The event brings about $3 million to the local economy, but of course its all about the music, WISC-TV reported."We have some great acts for the balance of the festival, and that's really what we're focusing in on," said Beaudoin.Riverfest officials said it's the line up that keeps crowds coming again and again. REO Speedwagon plays on Friday, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts Saturday, and the Beach Boys Sunday night, with guest drummer John Stamos, WISC-TV reported.
VIDEO: Watch The ReportRiverfest is in its third decade this year and is an event that has been embraced by the community, and music lovers alike, WISC-TV reported.Before the headlining act REO Speedwagon took to the stage Friday, local talent got to show their own stuff.It’s one of the reasons Beloit area residents step up to keep Riverfest A Rock County tradition."The people of Beloit are proud of this event," said Rod Beaudoin, the executive director of the event. "We have over 600 volunteers involved in it, and they're dedicated to it, they work extremely hard for it."Volunteers help but its sponsors that make the event happen.Earlier this month, the Harbor Fest Musical Festival in Racine was cancelled because of rising costs, and a 40 percent drop in sponsorships. It's a nationwide trend, that Beloit has managed to avoid, WISC-TV reported."We really have four or five major sponsors this year that we didn't have last year," said John McCally who does marketing work for Riverfest.Riverfest is the city's biggest attraction and attendance continues to rise. It's the type of event that helps Beloit continue to thrive, WISC-TV reported.Said Levi Cousin of the Atlanta Bread Company, one of the event's sponsors, "We know how much it means to be able to bring the community together in one place. Being able to help make that happen is a big reason why we do this."Local sponsors know that by investing in Riverfest, they'll see the return. The event brings about $3 million to the local economy, but of course its all about the music, WISC-TV reported."We have some great acts for the balance of the festival, and that's really what we're focusing in on," said Beaudoin.Riverfest officials said it's the line up that keeps crowds coming again and again. REO Speedwagon plays on Friday, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts Saturday, and the Beach Boys Sunday night, with guest drummer John Stamos, WISC-TV reported.Copyright 2008 by Channel 3000. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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