Tallapoosa’s Events Deserve Citywide Promotion – and Here’s Why

One of the things I’ve always loved about Tallapoosa is how our community comes alive around our annual events. From the Dogwood Festival in the spring, to the 4th of July Parade and Fireworks at Helton Howland Park, to the famous Possum Drop on New Year’s Eve, these gatherings bring us together, showcase our small-town pride, and draw in visitors who might otherwise never discover Tallapoosa.

tallapoosa’s-events-deserve-citywide-promotion-–-and-here’s-why

But here’s the truth: every one of these events also brings real dollars into our local economy. Families who come in for the Dogwood Festival stop to eat at our restaurants. Travelers heading to the Possum Drop fill up at our gas stations, shop in our stores, and stay in our hotels. Even our smaller events, like the Hat Roberts Chili Cook-Off or the Christmas Parade of Lights, encourage people from surrounding towns to spend their evening here, and that matters.

The People Who Carry These Traditions in Tallapoosa

The reason these events continue to exist is because of the dedication of local volunteers, civic groups, and organizations who pour their time, money, and energy into them:

• The Tallapoosa Historical Society keeps the Dogwood Festival alive year after year, with countless volunteer hours.

• The Haralson County Veterans Association and other local groups help organize community car shows, parades, and patriotic programming.

• Our downtown businesses and local civic clubs pitch in to decorate floats, sponsor booths, and donate prizes.

• Even the Possum Drop, which has become a signature Tallapoosa tradition, is held together by local organizers.

  
  

These folks have done an incredible job, but they’ve also shouldered the burden that should be shared more broadly by the City. Without them, many of these events would not exist at all.

What Our Neighbors Are Doing

Look just a few miles down the road to Buchanan’s Fried Pie Fest. Last year, that one-day event generated over $350,000 in revenue for local businesses, and early reports say this year’s total is even higher. Why? Because Buchanan and its partners invested in promotion and planning. They turned a simple idea into a regional draw that pays off for the entire community.

Tallapoosa has more signature events spread throughout the year than Buchanan — but we aren’t reaping the same level of return because we haven’t committed to properly marketing and promoting them.

The Case for City Involvement

These aren’t just “nice traditions.” They are economic engines. Each event pumps outside money into Tallapoosa, money that helps local businesses thrive and supports city revenue through sales tax and hotel/motel tax collections.

The City already collects hotel/motel taxes that, by law, must be spent on tourism promotion. What better way to use that money than to invest directly in marketing our festivals, parades, and concerts? This is not just spending — it’s an investment that pays for itself many times over.

My Commitment as Mayor

If elected, I will push for a dedicated event promotion strategy:

1. Hotel/Motel Tax Transparency – Make sure every tourism dollar is accounted for and directed toward actual promotion.

2. City Event Calendar & Marketing Plan – Professionally designed, widely distributed, and updated in real time.

3. Community Partnerships – Work hand in hand with civic groups, local businesses, and nonprofits so no one feels left carrying the load alone.

4. Return on Investment Tracking – Measure how each event boosts attendance, revenue, and business sales so we can prove the value to residents and businesses alike.

   
   

Tallapoosa doesn’t just need to preserve its traditions — we need to grow them into opportunities. Our festivals and parades should be more than fun; they should be a core part of our economic strategy. With the right leadership, we can make sure every event, big or small, shines a spotlight on our community and keeps Tallapoosa thriving.

Joe Glass - "The Clear Choice for Responsible Family-Focused Growth"