Where do we start?

At this point in time, 9 months before the event, we are in the "pre-planning" stage. This means we are throwing around ideas, looking at prospective bands and improving our event site.

Myself and niece Evelynn, 3rd Annual
(photo by Ashley Hays)

In years past I have taken on a lot of the responsibility of planning the entire event. I am always strung out thin by the day of the event and it's all that I can do to stay upright after 10pm. Last year I took the initiative to pass on some of the responsibilities to a few of my very trusted friends and family, it seemed to work!

I am planning to do the same this year. I will have someone in charge of booking the bands and keeping in contact with them...an entertainment manager if you will. I will have a staff manager and a general contractor type of person as well as someone to manage the gate and parking. This leaves me with putting it all together and hopefully being able to have a little bit of fun on the day of the event!

Nothing has been nailed down for the 5th Annual...we are very open to ideas and suggestions!

Some of the improvements we plan to make this year include a permanent stage, more space for activities and a better setup all around. Like I said, if there is something you would like to suggest about ANY aspect of the event....feel free to leave comments here or on my facebook page!

As of now...not a lot is going on besides a few excited phone calls and text messages between myself and my managers. If you would like to get ahold of the staff manager or entertainment manager, please let me know and I will get you in contact with them! We are always looking for volunteers!


Ashley setting up the kids' games!
(photo by Alyssa Hays)

I would also like to throw out the idea of a tshirt design contest! As a professional designer, I have taken on the task of creating the marketing materials and tshirt design in years past...but would like to keep the idea open of maybe doing a tshirt design contest for the 5th Annual! I think it would be a great way to keep everyone involved in the planning process!

We will be hosting a few bake sales this summer to raise money for startup costs involved with the event! They will be at the Quietside Quick Shop in Roach, Mo over the Memorial, 4th of July and Labor Day weekends! Please take a few minutes to run out there and grab a tasty homemade treat and support our great cause!

As you can probably tell...there is a ton of work that goes into planning a single day event. Months and months of preparation for one day of fun! I am dedicated to making the 5th Annual FLO Fest the best one yet!

I am asking each of you to tell 5 people about FLO Fest in hopes that we can make it to the 200 mark for attendees this year!!

Thank you for your continuing support! Can't wait to see you in October!