Mattie Kelly Destin Festival

Introduction to the Mattie Kelly Destin Festival

The Mattie Kelly Destin Festival, also known as the Mattie Kelly Arts Festival, is a popular event held annually in Destin, Florida. This festival celebrates the city’s rich cultural heritage and showcases the work of local and regional artists. The event is named after Mattie Kelly, a renowned artist and educator who was instrumental in promoting arts education in the area. The festival features a wide range of activities, including art exhibits, live music performances, food vendors, and children’s activities.

History of the Festival

The Mattie Kelly Destin Festival has a long history dating back to 1995. The event was founded by the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting arts education and appreciation in the community. Over the years, the festival has grown in popularity, attracting thousands of visitors from across the country. The event has become a staple of the Destin community, providing a platform for local artists to showcase their work and for residents to come together and celebrate their cultural heritage.

Features of the Festival

The Mattie Kelly Destin Festival features a diverse range of activities and exhibits, including: * Art Exhibits: The festival showcases the work of local and regional artists, featuring a wide range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, and more. * Live Music Performances: The event features live music performances by local and regional musicians, ranging from jazz and blues to rock and country. * Food Vendors: The festival features a variety of food vendors, offering a range of cuisine, from traditional festival fare to gourmet cuisine. * Children’s Activities: The event includes a range of activities for children, including face painting, crafts, and more.

Benefits of the Festival

The Mattie Kelly Destin Festival provides a range of benefits to the local community, including: * Promoting Arts Education: The event promotes arts education and appreciation in the community, providing a platform for local artists to showcase their work. * Supporting Local Businesses: The festival supports local businesses, providing a boost to the local economy. * Enhancing Community Engagement: The event enhances community engagement, providing a platform for residents to come together and celebrate their cultural heritage.

Impact of the Festival

The Mattie Kelly Destin Festival has a significant impact on the local community, including: * Economic Impact: The event generates significant revenue for the local economy, supporting local businesses and creating jobs. * Cultural Impact: The festival promotes arts education and appreciation, enhancing the cultural heritage of the community. * Social Impact: The event provides a platform for residents to come together and celebrate their cultural heritage, enhancing community engagement and social cohesion.

Year	Attendance	Revenue
2019	10,000	$500,000
2020	12,000	$600,000
2021	15,000	$700,000

👍 Note: The attendance and revenue figures are subject to change and may not reflect the current year's data.

As the Mattie Kelly Destin Festival continues to grow and evolve, it remains a beloved event in the Destin community, providing a platform for local artists to showcase their work, supporting local businesses, and enhancing community engagement. The festival’s impact on the local economy, culture, and social cohesion is significant, making it a vital part of the community’s cultural heritage.

In final thoughts, the Mattie Kelly Destin Festival is a must-attend event for anyone looking to experience the best of Destin’s cultural heritage. With its diverse range of activities, exhibits, and performances, the festival provides something for everyone, making it a truly unique and unforgettable experience.