|
The Exceptional Turnout is a Big Win for the Arts as well as Oro Valley's Local Economy The popularity of this large scale arts event continues to grow. The Oro Valley Marketplace hosted an estimated 30,000 visitors over two days this past weekend, December 2nd & 3rd, for the Holiday Festival of the Arts and Oro Valley Tree Lighting Celebration, setting a record for attendance at the much anticipated annual event.
The event is the largest arts festival in the region and features over 150 artisans, exhibitors and food vendors. More than 250 local student performers took to the main stage over the course of the weekend to entertain guests. More than 2,000 visitors gathered to see TUBACHRISTMAS perform this year which featured over 60 tubas playing holiday favorites, under the direction of Assistant Professor of Tuba and Euphonium at the University of Arizona, Matt Tropman. Five original chalk art murals were created by local artists at the event, underwritten by the Town of Oro Valley, in addition to an interactive family chalk art activity. Various children's activities were included in the event, such as crafts, cookie decorating and a visit with Santa. The event culminated with the Oro Valley Tree Lighting Celebration on Saturday evening, drawing approximately 7,000 attendees. "This incredible event would not be possible without our partnership with the Town of Oro Valley, the Oro Valley Marketplace, as well as our sponsors, particularly Pima Federal Credit Union who sponsored the Tree Lighting," says SAACA Executive Director, Kate Marquez. "The partnership is evidence of the Town's dedication to the advancement of arts and culture in our region." Community festivals are key to supporting local economic development, a stronger sense of place, and are key to building thriving communities throughout the world. The economic activity generated by arts festivals like the Holiday Festival of the Arts and Oro Valley Tree Lighting Celebration have a significant, positive impact on the local economy. The local tourism and hospitality industries and local businesses see a direct benefit and creates a chain of economic activity that is measurable. Cultural activities are an important component of quality of life. The arts add to our lives in many intangible ways as well as contributing positively to our economy as a whole. NOTE TO MEDIA: Photos available About Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance The Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance (SAACA) is a not-for-profit organization that exists to ensure that, through engagement in arts and culture, our communities produce strong, inspired citizens. SAACA enlists artists, businesses, governments, and individuals to expand artistic and cultural opportunities in their respective communities. To enhance access to the arts and to promote cultural awareness in the communities it serves, SAACA presents large-scale festivals, events and other programs. The Alliance also promotes educational opportunities in the arts and culture for all ages. For more information about programs and events produced by the Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance please visit www.saaca.org. Comments are closed.
|
Archives
April 2020
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed