Are you one of many who loves to go to festivals? It could be for the food, music, art, fun, to be outdoors or even for the free stuff (no one is judging you)! Maybe it’s all of those things! No matter what the reason is, it is important to properly support your local festival because in-turn, you are supporting a whole community. A community that wants to sustain itself and thrive for many generation to come.
You may notice gate staff asking for a donation. Why should you donate when you’re going to be buying items inside the event? Festivals are often put on by non-profit organizations, local chambers of commerce, or other charities to raise money for that neighborhood. By donating at the door, you are enabling social and economic sustainability and growth. By supporting the merchants, artists, and food vendors inside, you are supporting many small and local businesses.
Why should this growth and support matter to you? It matters because when a local community is supported, it has a positive ripple-effect on the larger scale of society. When you support locally owned business, workers receive better pay and benefits. When they do, these communities become more self-reliant. When that happens, the government can focus on and allocate funds to other needs. The more communities that are self-reliant, the better it is for employment, education, healthcare and more. Therefore, the entire economy and society as a whole benefits.
So, enjoy festivals, and fee good knowing that the beer you’re drinking is supporting your neighborhood!