OUR TURN: Keep the parties coming, Marble Falls

In spite of all the recent talk about economic gloom, one thing remains clear: Marble Falls still knows how to throw a party.

The city has seen a number of successful events in just the past few weeks that depend on attendance from residents and tourists alike. Even as the city budget spirals into a dark hole, Marble Falls is still a draw for those who want to have fun.

This is the kind of achievement the city must build on, rather than slipping into a kind of  off-season between LakeFest in August and the Walkway of Lights in late November.

Consider the success of the first Marble Falls adult soap-box derby, held last month during a three-day period that saw hundreds visit the town.

The follow-up to that was the fireworks display July Fourth over Lake Marble Falls, which returned after a year’s absence. Hundreds delighted to the pyrotechnic displays over the lake, and the vendor booths, children’s games and concessions in Lakeside Park were a big hit earlier in the day.

The one-two punch of the 54th Marble Falls Pro Rodeo, followed by the 10th annual Marble Falls Triathlon, helped pack them in during the same weekend. Organizers were smart enough to hold one right after the other.

Now LakeFest is coming this month, to transform Lake Marble Falls into a high-speed drag boat race course.

What do all these events have in common?

They attract locals and tourists alike.

What’s more, they help put heads in beds — i.e., fill up the hotels — and thereby contribute to both the sales tax and the hotel-motel occupancy tax.

Both of these taxes are re-invested into the community in different ways, providing funds to pay for additional city services and attract more businesses and tourists.

In addition, these events also highlight the beauty and unique atmosphere of Main Street, Lakeside Park and Lake Marble Falls, a clear indication that these areas should feature prominently in any literature or campaign that attempts to bring visitors to the city.

By all accounts, the events have each enjoyed some measure of success.

And when these events are successful, it’s not just the city that reaps the rewards. So do residents, who see a return in the form of lowered taxes, more services and business growth.

Marble Falls has a long way to go before it’s out of the economic hole, but events such as these go a long way to helping put the city on the map and money into local coffers.

The next big event, of course, will be the Walkway of Lights in late November, which is the annual Christmas display that features dozens of illuminated Christmas displays featured through New Year’s Day.

So the challenge remains: How to keep the momentum going from when the last drag boat is hauled out of Lake Marble Falls this summer and the first Christmas light flickers into existence in late November?

The city could use another one or two loud, brassy and brash parties. Someone out there must have an idea.

The River Cities Daily Tribune editorial board includes Dan Alvey, Amber Weems, Thomas Edwards and Daniel Clifton.