Fairview Lions Old Time Country Music

Festival

June 18, 19, 20 (2010)Cummings Lake, AB

Survey Analysis

(Photo: Fairview Post)

“Keep this going or we will riot!! National uprising!”

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Table of Contents

Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Residence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Length of Stay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Location of Stay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Purchasing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Spending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Reputation/Concerns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Fairview Resident’s Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Appendix 1 Fairview Residents’ Graphic Results

Appendix 2 Original Survey

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SUMMARY

The Town of Fairview, in cooperation with the Fairview Lion’s Club and the Fairview & District Chamber of Commerce distributed a survey to the attendees of the Music Festival on the weekend of June 18, 19, 20th

2010. A total of 243 surveys were returned completed.

The purpose of this survey is to determine the economic success of the Fairview Lion’s Club Old Time Music Festival. Additionally, comments provide insight as to what kind of development attendees would like to see at Cummings Lake, the things that attendees enjoy at the festival and things that attendees would like to see improved.

Survey Questions

The Survey questions addressed the following concerns for each respondent:

Where each respondent was from How long each respondent was staying at Cummings Lake Where each respondent was staying Which items each respondent purchased in Fairview How much each respondent spent in Fairview Suggestions for the music festival Suggestions for development of the Cummings Lake Park Area

Method of Analysis

Scope

The analysis of this survey focuses mainly on the responses of those who attended the festival who were not residents of the Town of Fairview. 83% of respondents were residents of other jurisdictions. The inclusion of Town residents in the final results would negatively alter the results and render them less reliable. Additionally, splitting the results into two categories, residents and non residents, provides further opportunity for interpretation consequently creating a clearer picture.

The results garnered by respondents who reside within the Town of Fairview follow the results presented for those who are visitors. An attached appendix includes graphical representations of the results for each question. (pg. 13)

Assumptions

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Given that the majority of the attendants were residents of jurisdictions outside of the Town, questions were assumed to be asking about decisions made while in town for the duration of the festival. This does not necessarily mean only for the days of June 18, 19, and 20 as some respondents stayed for longer than the weekend while enjoying services in Fairview. However, the assumption is this: that the questions are not addressing total spending, duration of stay, etc for a totality of time spent in Fairview at each visit. The questions are only addressing the duration of stay when the purpose was to visit the 2010 Lions Music Festival.

Comments

Comments that were returned with the surveys have been inserted throughout the report placed under a heading which addresses the concern. The comments may be the most valuable section of the report, as they specifically indicate a positive or negative result at the festival. Respondents did well to give constructive criticism.

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_______________________RESIDENCE

The majority of attendants to the festival are residents of other municipalities. Of the 14% who responded as residents of municipalities outside of Alberta, many noted that they had travelled from British Columbia.

As many attendants are from outside the Town of Fairview and surrounding area, it would be helpful for the Lion’s to invest in advertising to be placed in communities or tourism/musical publications that are located further away from the Town.

It is encouraging to note as well that nearly a quarter of all attendants are from the Town and surrounding areas: M.D. of Fairview, the Village of Hines

Creek and Clear Hills County.

Not including those from other jurisdictions who did not return a completed survey, the population of Fairview increased by 5.6% over the weekend that the Festival took place.

“We are from Hudson’s Hope – we need posters to advertise! Our second trip out and I didn’t realize that the festival started on Friday; I’m sad I missed a day. I love the old time music and dancing, it lifts me up! Very much appreciated!”

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LENGTH OF STAY

Just over half of all attendants indicated that they visited Fairview only for the duration of the Music Festival. Encouragingly, nearly 30% of attendants visited Fairview for upwards of a week, arriving early for the event or visiting afterwards.

“It is totally amazing to see so many people who get along so well; the happy faces, the smiles, the friendships that we make. All efforts should be made by the Town and the organization to encourage such activities. Activities such as the music festival reflect the atmosphere of the Town of Fairview and area. Keep it up – perhaps expand!”

Good weather during the weekend and several Town activities may contribute to a larger percentage of attendants staying outside the duration of the festival. It may be assumed that for those who stay longer than three days, they are individuals who make a holiday of coming to visit the Peace Country.

Several respondents noted that it would be helpful as first time attendants if more signage was put up along highways directing people to the Festival site.

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LOCATION

Of the 11% who indicated “other”, many respondents identified that they were tenting at the campground.

Overwhelmingly, nearly three quarters of respondents identified R.V.’s parked at Cummings Lake as where they stayed for the duration of their visit. Consequently, many comments were made about the amount of space provided for R.V.’s, the location of the R.V.’s, etc. Many respondents hoped for more parking spaces for R.V.’s next year. Many comments were made pleading for the R.V. space to remain in its current location.

Many attendants were impressed with the cleanliness and quality of services provided by the Town for the campground. Several additional suggestions include:

“We could maybe use 2 or 3 garbage bins in the camping area, everything else was great!”

“For safety, it would be great to see floor mats in the showers.”

“Absolutely fantastic – clean, well run – best music festival we have been to for years!”

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Several respondents suggested that there could be more dust control along the roadways, as well many hoped to see more tents or structures for shade.

“Very good, we love coming here camping is good rain or shine!”

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PURCHASES

As shown above, the two items most purchased while visiting Fairview were fuel and groceries. This is unsurprising as over three quarters of attendants of the festival either camped or stayed in R.V.’s while at the festival.

Many respondents additionally commented that they had spent their money in other areas of town. In particular, liquor was mentioned several times. As well, many respondents took advantage of other events and services around Town including: the swimming pool, the pancake breakfast, the car show and the Golf Course.

“The friendliness of this musical festival is phenomenal. We enjoyed the walking trails, golfing each morning, the pancake breakfast, some suppers…we wouldn’t miss it!”

Also interesting to note is a handful of respondents noted that they purchased farm parts in Fairview while visiting.

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SPENDING

The results of this particular question may not be entirely reliable. The question, although set up correctly was not always answered properly. Some respondants answered as if to identify the amount of money they spent over the entire weekend, while others correctly identified the amount of money spent daily while in Town. Those that were easily recognized as having answered their spending over the entire weekend had their results manaully calculated to meet the intent of the question. Therefore, a percentage of error must be assumed in interpreting individual responses.

However, what can be assumed from the results of spending and purchases is that money spent by attendees of the Festival was well distrubuted between services, non-profit endeavours, and businesses selling goods and wares.

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To give an idea of the amount of money spent over the weekend:

If we were to assume that of the 72% of respondants who bought groceries bought $50.00’s worth, and that of the 63% who bought fuel purchased $50.00’s worth, an approximate amount of money injected into the Town economy by those who responded as such would be $13 600.00 on those items alone.

145 x $50 = $7250+ 127 x $50 = $3650

$ 13 600

This number reflects only a portion of the money injected by out of town consumers; take into consideration those who did not complete the survey, and the purchase of other goods not identified and the total economic injection is considerable.

That the Town hosts other events during the weekend such as the Fire and Rescue Society Pancake Breakfast, as well as the Peace Classic Wheels Street Spectacular provides further incentive for attendees of the Festival to come into Town. The amount of money injected is unlikely to be the catalyst of any multiplier effect, yet the economic benefits are still significant.

Additionally, many attendants of the Festival asked for more vendors to attend the trade show. Indicated by comments, attendants seemed to think that prices for ice cream and other goods were reasonable, and a suggestion for a small camping fee to “…offset expenses would be fine.”

_______________________REPUTATION

A lasting positivity that results from the Lion’s festival is that the reputation of the Town and its service clubs grows with successful events and weekends such as this. This is shown not only by the growing attendance numbers but also by comments such as these:

“It is a great place to meet friends and meet new acquaintances. We hope it will always remain the same.”

“The Lions club should be very proud of their commitment to the area; this is the best Jamboree in Alberta.”

“The friendliness of everyone is great; like coming to a family reunion each year!”

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“Water and Creamsicle prices are reasonable, grass was mowed, garbage and toilets were good; fantastic job by the Lions!”

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CONCERNS

By far, the most common concern was that of the size of the dance floor. Numerous respondents indicated a need for a larger area for dancing. As it would appear that this is a major draw of the event, an investment in this improvement is recommended.

Several concerns were raised about assistance for seniors. Topping the list is the necessity for more shade tents or structures as the heat was quite high. Respondents seemed very impressed that seniors from homes within Town were invited and brought to enjoy the music. Several suggestions to make the experience more enjoyable were to reserve seating for them, and also to set up reserved seating for those with wheelchairs or scooters. Concerns were raised about the distance to walk for many seniors, as one respondent commented:

“Great set up – need more shuttle vehicles, it’s a long walk for the “oldies”!”

Another common concern was directed toward the management of the Fire Lane. Several respondents suggested that the Fire Lane be more clearly marked and that it be managed more strictly. In a similar vein, a few suggestions for disabled parking were mentioned as well.

Respondents also enjoyed the 50/50 draw, but many suggested the results be posted for a period of time, and if no-one responded, to draw again.

FURTHER COMMENTS:

- “Need a water outlet at group camping site and a shower closer to the camping area.”- “Hand washing fountains, or hand sanitizer would be excellent.”- “Stage could be closer to the audience.”

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MUSIC

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The reaction in terms of music was more than positive. Many respondents made sure to express their happiness with the music of the event. Players also seemed to be pleased:

“Keep it the way it is. We love being here and playing on stage/making people happy. It is so nice just the way it is; you may even extend the days to accommodate all the old time players who want to play – Thank you Lions Club!”

Two major concerns arose. Firstly, several respondents requested a program of events listing the acts in order of their times of appearance. Secondly, a number of respondents took issue with single performers employing the use of regular bands as back up. A suggestion to alleviate this was to, “…have one band that’s hired to back up single performers.”

One respondent who particularly enjoyed the music also suggested the inclusion of “..country poetry or blue grass.”

Another respondent who clearly had attended to tear up the floor noted:

“I’ve like everything I’ve seen so far but how about a different coloured wrist-band for SINGLES – who just want to dance!”

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FAIRVIEW RESIDENTS’ RESULTS

Residents of the Town of Fairview who attended the festival were also surveyed. Given the types of questions posed, results from local attendants were difficult to integrate into the full report. The most glaring issue plaguing results of the surveys completed by local residents was that their surveys were completed as if the questions were asked over a year long period, rather than addressing the questions only within the time frame of the festival weekend only.

Question 2: Length of Stay is inconclusive. Respondents indicated that they were in fact residents of the Town of Fairview, yet looking at results it would appear that they only reside part time. To assume that the results indicate the length of stay within the campsite would be incorrect, as more respondents indicated a length of stay than answered that they hadn’t stayed at home.

Question 4, “What items do you typically purchase in Fairview?” was problematic for local residents for several reasons. It is important to note that many respondents who chose the category “Other”

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accompanied the choice with the comment “…purchase everything possible in town”. It is possible to look at the results received as per the percentage of people who purchased groceries, clothing, and fuel in town, but even then, keep in mind that respondents answered with two different time frames in mind.

The same issue of time reference skewed the results of question 5 as well. Again, the intent of the survey is to analyze spending from that particular weekend, yet the majority of local respondents completed this question assuming spending over a yearly basis. Additionally, as 48% of respondents did not answer the question, the results of this section do not reflect an adequately conclusive picture of residential spending during the weekend of June 21-23.

However, the information presented in the results of Question 3, “Where did you stay?” is worth noting. 25% of respondents noted that they spent their time at the festival at Cummings Lake in their RV. Of those that answered “other” many noted that they were also camping at Cummings Lake (in a tent, etc.). It is reasonable to assume then, that of the remaining respondents many would have stayed home during the evenings.

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Appendix 1

Results of surveys turned in by those who indicate that they were residents of the Town of Fairview.

*Note: Question 1 is not included as 100% of respondents were residents of the Town.

Question 2:

Question 3:

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Question 4:

Question 5:

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