Nonprofits lead way creating tourism economy, supporting arts

For those who live in Skagit County, counting the festivals, fairs and parades and other community celebrations may take both fingers and toes. 

“Our local festivals are an example of events tourists and locals alike flock to,” EDASC CEO John Sternlicht said, naming the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, the Anacortes Arts Festival, Loggerodeo, the Highland Games, and Berry Dairy Days as prime examples.

“Place making is an important part of any community's economic future because communities want and need to be some place where people want to live. And for that, you have to have the amenities and the attractions that bring people and keep them there,” Sternlicht added.

Major attractions, such as the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival and the Anacortes Arts Festival, draw both visitors and locals, injecting serious dollars into the local economy. For example, the Tulip Festival welcomes more than 450,000 visitors from all over the globe during its month-long run. The Anacortes Arts Festival welcomes on average 90,000 visitors over three days each August, with 65% of those festivalgoers from outside of Skagit County, including about 12% out-of-state visitors.

These festivals, as well as other community events, are most often executed by nonprofit organizations with minimal paid staff and an army of volunteers. The Anacortes Arts Festival, for instance, requires nearly 250 volunteers to put on the event.

The “product,” the festivals themselves, has a multiplier effect, spurring economic activity and creating work opportunities for individuals beyond organizations’ direct payrolls. The Tulip Festival is estimated to generate more than $80 million in revenue for the Skagit Valley community, said the festival’s Executive Director Nicole Roozen. The arts festival’s total economic impact for Anacortes and Skagit County is estimated to be around $4.5 million, said arts festival Executive Director Meredith McIlmoyle.

Roozen took on the role of Tulip Festival executive director last year, after long-time executive director Cindy Verge retired. Roozen is one of two full-time staff members who pull together the festival with the help of volunteers. 

“We rely heavily on our dedicated volunteers and an active board of directors,” she said, “which consists of 15 to 20 members from diverse professional backgrounds. Their support is essential to the festival's success."

After her first year as director, Roozen says she's gained deep appreciation for the festival's role in the community. She notes that the festival is a tremendous driver of economic growth in community engagement. 

"Local businesses see a noticeable bump during the festival with hotels, restaurants and shops enjoying increased foot traffic and revenue,” she said. “Artists and craft vendors gain visibility through festival events, and many visitors discover local products they wouldn't have seen otherwise."

Photo by by Rakan AlDuaij