Festival’s impact nearly $6 million

The Roots ‘N Blues ‘N BBQ Festival generated an economic impact of nearly $6 million in Boone County, according to University of Missouri economist James Kaufman.

The festival, sponsored by Boone County National Bank to celebrate its 150th anniversary, was held Sept. 7–8, and organizers estimate that it drew 70,000 people to downtown Columbia.

Besides pumping $5.9 million into Boone County’s economy, Kaufman estimated, the festival carried an “overall value” of $9.9 million, as every festival dollar cycled throughout Missouri’s state economy.

Kaufman calculated the festival’s overall economic impact upon Boone County and Missouri by using the Impact Analysis for PLANing model.

Kaufman said the model factors in the festival’s direct investment, the indirect value of festival-related goods and services, and the added effect as festival dollars rippled through the community to purchase economic stimulating items such as food, transportation and housing.

Boone County National Bank and its festival organizer, Woodruff Sweitzer, along with supporters such as Blue Note owner Richard King, are trying this month to figure out a way to make the festival an annual event.