Submitted photo Part of the crowd of 500 people at Saturday’s Columbus Indiana Philharmonic’s Seventh Annual Bourbonfest at The Commons.
The Columbus Indiana Philharmonic Seventh Annual Bourbonfest raised an estimated $38,000 gross Saturday with a crowd of 500 people —175 more than last year — at The Commons, organizers said.
“We actually had a slightly better (ending) dollar figure last year, mostly due to the auction and Battle of the Banks (auction item baskets),” said Donnie Robinette, Philharmonic executive director. “But the overall gross is fantastic.”
This year’s gathering included more than 30 vendors. The goal was to generate between $40,000 and $50,000. Last year’s crowd of 300-plus netted slightly more than $30,000 for the cause of music education. It also will fund activities such as small pop-up concerts downtown.
The event also has been a unique way amid the growing bourbon craze for the professional orchestra to catch the attention of young ticket buyers who may never have attended a local orchestral concert. That element is significant since orchestras nationwide have been working harder to attract younger attendees in general. That fact also has been mentioned this far by every candidate who has performed with the orchestra this season as part of the tryout process to be the new music director and conductor to replace David Bowden, who retired last year.
The second Bourbonfest in 2018 drew a record 600 people. The event sold out well in advance the first several years.
This year’s fundraiser saluted and showcased the bourbon-making process and the storied history of the industry. Bourbon distilleries and local establishments displayed their goods, gave out swag and served drink samples.
