RELEASE DATE: Contact: Jamie McCormickFeb 19, 2024 423-316-2969
SFEA Honors Regional Festivals with 2024 Kaleidoscope Awards
Jekyll Island, GA – The best and the brightest in the Southeastern United States festivals and events industry were spotlighted this week at the Southeast Festivals and Events Association’s 2024 Kaleidoscope Awards Gala, a part of their annual conference held this year in Jekyll Island, GA. In 2023, the festivals and events industry had begun to spring back, and SFEA saw a record number of applications - 123 applications across 23 categories from 21 organizations in six states. There were plenty of things to celebrate. But as SFEA’s membership grew and the industry continued to recover, the 2024 Kaleidoscope Awards yet again set a new record, with 170 applications across 25 categories from 30 organizations in nine states. Against such rigorous and wide-spread competition, the 2024 Kaleidoscope Award winners should be immensely proud.
“Every year, the ideas presented in the Kaleidoscope Awards applications get more creative, the initiatives submitted get more innovative and inclusive, the competition gets stiffer, and pool of incredible events spreads across the region. A rising tide lifts all boats, and we’re all headed up!” said Jamie McCormick, Operations Manager for SFEA.
2024 Awards Won:
Best Merchandise: Jeepers Creepers Rubber Duck, City of Fountain Inn, SC
Best New Event: Jeepers Creepers, City of Fountain Inn, SC
Best Festival or Event Under $20,000 in Budget: Jeepers Creepers, City of Fountain Inn, SC
The name “kaleidoscope” was selected in homage to the colors in the SFEA logo, which represent the many different elements and facets within festivals and events. A call for entries was posted last fall, and all southeast festivals and events were encouraged to participate. The judges looked for originality, creativity, media impact, volunteer programs, and the overall impact to the respective communities. The Kaleidoscope Award categories are diverse, covering just about every aspect of the industry, including vendors and suppliers.
The Southeast Festivals & Events Association is a 501 (c) 6 membership-based organization composed of festival and event planners, venues, and industry service providers. SFEA was founded in 2009 to strengthen the festivals and events industry throughout the Southeastern United States by hosting educational sessions, networking opportunities, award recognition, and additional events throughout the year, thus allowing for continued professional growth of members. Membership is open to professionals in the festivals and events industry as well as those wanting to get their start and learn more about this exciting profession.
