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Four new events are coming to the Town of Queen Creek after being approved by the Town’s Festival Partnership Program (FPP). The Queen Creek Farmer’s Market, Vintage and Vino, Bacon, Brews, and Blues Festival and Messy Fest will receive funding through the FPP. Starting as early as this October and running through next spring, each event appeals to a variety of interests.
The FPP is designed to attract festivals and events to the community to improve the economic well-being and quality of life for Town residents. The program serves as an economic development tool, with the Town helping share the risks of starting new events through financial sponsorship.
LD“The Festival Partnership Program is an innovative program that will help bring unique events to Queen Creek,” stated Queen Creek Mayor Gail Barney. “The events approved in the previous cycle were a success and we are looking forward to enjoying more great events this coming year.”
The Queen Creek Farmers Market received $9,000 in sponsorship. Held every Sunday from October 4 through March 27 at the Queen Creek Library 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., the event will offer Arizona grown fruits and vegetables along with local vendors. On occasion, the event will also offer entertainment, games and food trucks. Produced by Sunny Markets, there is no fee for admission.
Vintage and Vino received $11,000 in sponsorship and will be held on October 23 and 24 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre. Produced by Levitate, the two day event will feature a vintage market with a variety of vendors including furniture, household items, handmade goods, paint, and signs. There will also be a farmers market, wine tasting, champagne tasting and entertainment. A portion of the proceeds will benefit a local non-profit.
The Bacon, Brews, and Blues Festival received $14,900 in sponsorship will be held on November 7 from 1 – 10 p.m. at Founders’ Park. Also produced by Levitate, the event will include delicious food, craft beer and the soothing sounds of rhythm and blues.
Messy Fest received $10,000 in sponsorship and will be held on April 2, 2016 from noon – 10 p.m. at Founders’ Park. The family fun festival will include all things messy including clay mud pie making, bubble zone, pizza toss and shaving cream fun. The event will also include food vendors and music.
Approved in the previous FPP cycle, Lemonade Days attracted a variety of residents and visitors for the 2015 event. Produced by HDE, the two part event included free activities in the afternoon with live entertainment, games and vendors in the evening for a nominal admission. Stay tuned for details regarding the 2016 event.
FeastivalThe Queen Creek Feastival, a food truck festival was also approved in the previous FPP cycle and is held every Saturday night from 5:30–9 p.m. at Horseshoe Park & Equestrian Centre. Produced by Udder Delights, LLC, the weekly events include 15-30 food trucks, live music, art and boutique vendors.
Applications for the FPP were reviewed by the Festival Partnership Program Subcommittee (FPPS). Selections were based on a variety of criteria including the economic impact on the community, the events impact on Queen Creek’s image, and proven ability to deliver.
To stay updated on events and activities in Queen Creek, follow the Town on Facebook.com/QueenCreek or Twitter.com/TOQC_Official. For more information about the Town visit QueenCreek.org.
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