York County Economic and Tourism Development Wins
Big with Three 2024 Pinnacle Awards

November 4, 2024 

The International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) recently recognized York County Economic and Tourism Development during the IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards Ceremony held at the IFEA Annual Convention & Expo presented by atVenue in Pittsburgh, PA. The Association presented the County with three awards in the prestigious IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards Competition. Awards were won in the following categories: 

Silver Award – Best Instagram Site for Visit Yorktown

Silver Award – Best Green Program - Yorktown Market Days’ Go Green Market

Bronze Award – Best Event Benefitting a Cause - Paws at the River

This is the second consecutive year that Visit Yorktown received a Silver Award for its outstanding Instagram account. 

“The marketing team invests significant thought and creativity into the content developed on Instagram. It’s an honor to have our efforts recognized on an international level,” said Deirdre Roesch, Marketing and Communications Manager for York County Economic and Tourism Development.

Kristi Olsen-Hayes, director of York County Economic and Tourism Development, shared her excitement about the department’s ongoing success. 

“Our team works tirelessly each year to host impactful events that aim to incorporate educational, eco-friendly, and community-led elements,” she praised. “We’re thrilled our efforts are widely acknowledged and appreciated.”

Honoring the exceptional achievements and high-quality creative, promotional, operational, and community outreach efforts of festivals and events worldwide, awards* were presented across 62 diverse categories. These included TV/Radio, Social and Multimedia, Print, Merchandise, and Festival and Event programs such as Sponsorship, Education, Accessibility, Children’s, Emergency Preparedness, and Entertainment. The prestigious Grand Pinnacle award, IFEA’s highest accolade, was also given, recognizing festivals and events* that excel in balancing all key elements essential for a successful event.

"We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all of our Pinnacle Award winners for their exceptional contributions to this year’s competition,” said Steven Wood Schmader, CFEE, President & CEO of the IFEA. “The IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards recognize the outstanding achievements and top-tier creativity, promotional efforts, operational excellence, and community outreach demonstrated by festivals and events worldwide. By striving for the highest standards across all budget levels and regions, this competition not only elevates the quality of festivals and events globally but also shows how event producers can use innovation and creativity to achieve a higher level of success.”

Winning entries came from organizations as diverse as the Alaska State Fair in Palmer, AK; Cherry Creek Arts Festival in Denver, CO; the Dublin Irish Festival in Dublin, OH; the Lubbock Arts Festival in Lubbock, TX; the Saint Louis Art Fair in St. Louis, MO; the MusikFest in Bethlehem, PA; the Pasadena Tournament of Roses in Pasadena, CA; the Parker County Peach Festival in Weatherford, TX; the Coconut Grove Arts Festival in Coconut Grove, FL; the Iceman Cometh Challenge in Traverse City, MI; the Philadelphia Flower Show in Philadelphia, PA; Seafair Festival in Seattle, WA; the Stockton Lantern Festival in Stockton, CA; Celebrations of Traditions Pow Wow in San Antonio, TX; Canada Together in Vancouver, BC, Canada; Vivid Sydney in Sydney, Australia; Festival Lent in Maribor, Slovenia; Chiang Mai Blooms in Bangkok, Thailand; Fáilte Ireland in Dublin, Ireland; Rome Future Week® in Roma, Italy; Huangling Shaiqiu Cultural Festival in Shangrao, China; and Cheonan World Dance Festival in Cheonan, Republic of Korea.

*All winners are selected from those festivals and events who specifically enter the competition. Each category is separated into four budget categories. Each entry is judged within those budget categories, against the specific criteria and requirements. 

For a complete list of 2024 Pinnacle Winners visit www.ifea.com/p/industryawards/pinnacleawards/pastpinnaclewinners 

For more information about the IFEA, visit www.ifea.com