Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

An Exploratory Study On The Meanings Of A Local Fair From The Perspectives Of Locals, Alvin Hungchih Yu, I-Yin Yen

National Environment and Recreation Research Symposium

Abstract

Many festivals originated with community celebrations. Through festivals, their ethnic, historical, religious piety, community pride, culture preservation, social cohesiveness and reconciliation are embodied. The significance of the economic contribution from festivals or special events has been well documented in the past two decades; thus, festival/special event creation is now treated as a strategy for tangible economic development. In addition, research focused exclusively on the relationship between patrons’ perceptions of festivals/special events and economic benefits overwhelmingly dominates this field. Indeed, it is essential to understand the meanings of festivals from the patron’s standpoints since their perceptions are associated with the …