Festivals in Rural Communities
Festivals play an important in rural communities. These events have a big impact on our “sense of place”and become highlights on the calendar that attract visitors from near and far. They contribute to revitalizing the brand of small and special places. Visitors seeking unique and 0ff-the-beaten-path destinations often plan their trips around these events.
Revitalizing Rural Economies
The contribution of festivals to local economies cannot be denied. As they attract visitors, they fill restaurant seats, hotel beds, gas tanks and shopping carts. The economic contribution of these special events quickly start to add up.
Social Benefit to the Community
Festivals do not only exist for the benefit of visitors but also benefit local residents. Volunteering at events create new friendships, skills, strengthen networks, and add to people’s sense of belonging and pride in their community.
Season Extension
Seeing the difference that a festival makes in a community, led to the plan to create a festival during late summer/early fall – or what the tourism industry refers to as the “shoulder season” – in Twillingate. The Unscripted Twillingate Digital Arts Festival has found its place on the annual calendar on the third weekend in September. In 2022, the festival will happen from 15 to 18 September.
Travel this Fall
It is a time when the hills are alive with berries for foraging, the fresh fish is plenty, the Rock Cut hiking trails are clad in red and gold and the landscape is begging to be captured. Typically a time when tourism slows down, this has become a wonderful time for travel, creating new things together, learning new digital skills and sharing creativity, fun and food. Despite having to incorporate virtual activities in the festival in 2020 and 2021 this has become an annual event that many look forward to.
So, if you are planning a trip for the fall of 2022, mark the dates for the Unscripted Festival: 15 – 18 September!