VISITORS' PERCEPTIONS OF AUTHENTICITY AT A RURAL HERITAGE FESTIVAL: A CASE STUDY

Author: PHILIP FEIFAN XIE

Source: Event Management, Volume 8, Number 3, 2003 , pp. 151-160(10)

Publisher: Cognizant Communication Corporation

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Abstract:

Rural festivals have become increasingly important for creating recreational experiences, revitalizing isolated towns, and generating higher revenues. This article explores visitors' perceptions of authenticity regarding the Applebutter Festival in Grand Rapids, Ohio, as recorded by responses to a visitor survey. The results show that although visitors express strong interest in heritage festival and contribute significant economic impact to the festival, their perceptions of authenticity of the heritage resources remains superficial. Statistical analysis indicates that a stereotypical view of heritage was common and not all visitors regard heritage as a high priority. The recommendations for the future development of rural festivals are proposed based upon the findings.

Keywords: Authenticity; Heritage; Rural festival; Folk village; Applebutter Festival, Ohio

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Sport Management, Recreation, and Tourism Division, School of Human Movement, Sport and Leisure Studies, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH 43403

Publication date: 2003-01-01

More about this publication?

Event Management, an International Journal, intends to meet the research and analytic needs of a rapidly growing profession focused on events. This field has developed in size and impact globally to become a major business with numerous dedicated facilities, and a large-scale generator of tourism. The field encompasses meetings, conventions, festivals, expositions, sport and other special events. Event management is also of considerable importance to government agencies and not-for-profit organizations in a pursuit of a variety of goals, including fund-raising, the fostering of causes, and community development.