In this episode of Festival Soup, host Mike Baxter chats with Joe Vera, Assistant City Manager of McAllen, Texas, about the inspiring story and behind-the-scenes magic of the McAllen Holiday Parade. Celebrating over a decade of tradition, this parade has grown to become one of the largest in Texas, drawing in hundreds of thousands of attendees. They discuss the logistics, community impact, and the four pillars behind McAllen’s success in transforming a local event into a celebrated holiday destination.

Key Points:

- [0:30] - The Parade's Impact on Community

Joe shares how parades unite the community, especially children, through tradition and celebration.

- [2:12] - From Vision to Spectacular Reality

The McAllen Holiday Parade began as a simple vision from a 2013 city retreat, evolving into a nationally recognized event.

- [6:38] - Handling Unexpected Growth

The inaugural parade’s massive turnout of over 200,000 guests taught the team crucial lessons in event logistics.

- [10:15] - Maximizing Parade Profits

Joe explains the strategic use of a local stadium to host spectators, sell tickets, and integrate sponsor visibility.

- [15:48] - Adding Star Power

Celebrities like Dallas Cowboys players and popular TV stars attract spectators, blending entertainment for diverse demographics.

- [20:04] - A Broadcast Extravaganza

The parade's TV broadcast reaches over 30 major U.S. markets, reinforcing McAllen’s brand and regional impact.

- [24:33] - McAllen Parade’s Fourfold Mission

Joe explains the event’s guiding goals: enhancing quality of life, promoting safety, creating a tourism destination, and boosting economic impact.

Quotable Moments:

[1:19] “A parade is all about celebration… the joy and wonder of bringing the community together.” – Joe Vera

[17:02] “We found the right mix with Dallas Cowboys’ players—suddenly the sea of blue lined the parade route.” – Joe Vera

[27:04] “This parade was our way of showcasing McAllen’s safe, vibrant, and welcoming environment.” – Joe Vera

Links Mentioned:

• McAllen Holiday Parade: http://McAllenHolidayParade.com
• Texas Festivals and Events Association: http://texasfea.org
• Festival Soup Website: http://festival-soup.com

The McAllen Holiday Parade illustrates the power of festivals to foster community spirit and drive economic growth. Joe Vera’s insights reveal how thoughtful planning and strategic partnerships have transformed a city tradition into a major cultural draw. Subscribe to Festival Soup for more insights on crafting memorable festivals and join us next time as we explore more stories from the world of festivals and events.

In this episode of Festival Soup, host Mike Baxter dives into the art of hosting large-scale, open-air events with Will Blackstock, Director of Parks and Rec for Clute, Texas, home of the Texas Mosquito Festival. Will shares unique aspects of organizing an outdoor event, from the advantages of expansive, flexible spaces to the unexpected challenges of weather, security, and safety. With lively traditions like the mosquito calling contest and a popular BBQ cookoff, the Texas Mosquito Festival offers valuable lessons on adaptability, community involvement, and the complexities of large venue logistics.

Key Points:

- [0:00] - Welcome to the Texas Mosquito Festival

Introduction to Will Blackstock and the 45-year legacy of the Texas Mosquito Festival.

- [3:42] - Event Activities and BBQ Cookoff

Will explains the logistics of hosting a BBQ cookoff within the larger festival, and how it enhances the attendee experience.

- [6:59] - Benefits of an Open-Air Venue

Using open spaces for sponsor visibility and convenience, including ample parking and flexible setups for vendors and events.

- [12:15] - Unique Competitions: Mosquito Calling & Leg Contests

A look at the quirky and beloved contests, like mosquito calling and "mosquito legs," that give the festival its distinct character.

- [17:12] - Weather-Related Challenges

How Will and his team manage adverse weather conditions, cancellations, and the importance of weather insurance.

- [24:45] - Security & Safety Measures

With a large, open area to cover, Will discusses essential security and safety protocols, from volunteer involvement to public safety in the summer heat.

- [27:40] - Community Support and Volunteers: The ‘Swat Squad’

The Swat Squad volunteer team’s role in event operations and community support.

Quotable Moments:

- [6:12] “It's just a great way to get the community involved—going from team to team in the BBQ cookoff is always a highlight.” - Mike Baxter

- [17:15] “Weather insurance is essential; it’s saved us from total loss more than once!” - Will Blackstock

- [24:55] “Our Swat Squad volunteers keep everything running smoothly, rain or shine.” - Will Blackstock

Links Mentioned:

• Festival Soup: http://FestivalSoup.com
• Texas Festival and Tourism Consulting: https://texasfestivalandtourismconsulting.com/
• Texas Mosquito Fest: https://www.mosquitofestival.com/

Join us as we wrap up a fascinating exploration of the Texas Mosquito Festival’s successes and challenges. If you’re inspired by the unique blend of tradition, community involvement, and strategic planning that makes this festival a success, be sure to subscribe to Festival Soup. Share your thoughts in a review, and visit our website for more industry insights and consulting services.

In this episode of Festival Soup, host Mike Baxter interviews Glenda Black from TSE Entertainment. Glenda shares her journey from a high school teacher to managing a successful talent booking agency and offers insider advice on booking top talent for fairs, festivals, and rodeos. They dive into the decision-making process, the role of an agency, contract nuances, and the rising popularity of tribute bands. This episode is a must-listen for event organizers looking to elevate their talent booking game and ensure smooth, successful shows.

Key Points:

- [0:42] Glenda Black’s Journey from Teaching to Entertainment

Glenda discusses her background and how she took over her father’s business, rebranding it as TSE Entertainment in 2018.

- [3:01] Why Hire a Booking Agency?

Glenda explains the benefits of working with a professional agency like TSE to save time, leverage industry relationships, and secure better pricing.

- [6:15] Budgeting and Audience Considerations

A key part of booking talent is understanding your audience and working within a budget, considering the type of event and target demographic.

- [8:05] The Offer Process and Booking National Acts

Glenda breaks down the official offer process, emphasizing the importance of booking headliners first and using an expiration date for offers.

- [9:45] Navigating Contracts and Riders

Contracts often come with non-negotiable clauses like bad weather policies and stage requirements, but many other elements of the rider can be discussed or modified.

- [16:15] Advancing the Show: Essential Communication

Glenda explains the importance of clear communication between event organizers and artists to ensure logistics like ground transportation, meal plans, and meet-and-greets run smoothly.

- [22:12] The Growing Popularity of Tribute Bands

Tribute bands are a budget-friendly and popular option for events, allowing attendees to enjoy familiar songs and iconic performances from acts like The Beatles and Taylor Swift.

Quotable Moments:

- [2:36] "I left teaching and didn’t know the first thing about booking, but I grew up in the music world. It was a great fit, and I haven’t looked back." – Glenda Black

- [9:03] "Always put an expiration date on offers; it keeps the process moving and avoids limbo." – Glenda Black

- [21:23] "If the artists are fed well, they will remember that more than anything else." – Glenda Black

Links Mentioned:

• TSE Entertainment: https://tseentertainment.com/
• Texas Festival and Tourism Consulting: https://texasfestivalandtourismconsulting.com/

Thanks for listening to Festival Soup! If you're new to booking or looking for ways to streamline the process, make sure to visit TSE Entertainment's website for more tips and insights. Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for more expert interviews, and leave us a review on your favorite platform!