The Division is partnering with MerleFest organizers to promote travel to and within the state in conjunction with the 25th anniversary the Wilkesboro event. Merlefest is included in featured event listings on VisitNC.com, as well as in weekly Events eBlasts running since February. The eBlasts have more than 75,000 subscribers. During March and April, the Division awarded tickets to Merlefest on Twitter Trivia Tuesdays occurring bi-weekly at @VisitNC. The Division, along with Welcome Center staff, is also staffing a booth at the festival this weekend to provide travel information and offer information about North Carolina economic development. N.C. Dept. of Commerce Sec. Keith Crisco and Assistant Sec. Lynn Minges are also meeting with economic development officials in Wilkes County during the event.
Founded in 1988, MerleFest is considered one of the premier music festivals in the country. This year’s festival features four days of performances by over 90 artists on 14 stages. Merlefest has a regional economic impact in excess of $10 million and attracts about 80,000 fans from 48 states, the District of Columbia and 10 foreign countries.