2023 Pray For Snow Celebration for Dan Bailey’s Outdoor Co
One of our biggest clients is Dan Bailey’s Outdoor Co here in Livingston. They were the first ones I started working with back in the summer of 2020 as Rusty Fox Media was initially taking shape, and we remain an integral part of their digital presence now. The role has evolved, grown and continues to take shape but it’s always a fun challenge.
The Backcountry Film Festival that Dan Bailey’s (formerly Timber Trails) puts on every year has been a crowd and staff favorite for almost 20 years. The only years missed in that time frame were during the height of the pandemic, and ever year all the funds go directly to fund the town’s soup kitchen - Loaves and Fishes. Last year we raised over $31k for the cause.
Given the success and attendance of last year’s festival we knew we had to make some changes to the event. Instead of trying to screen movies in a crowded and noisy venue, we opted to rent the local movie theater for a night. That let those who wanted to seriously watch the films actually enjoy them and then we could get right to the fun at the party the following night.
For us, the main goal was reach: how to get the word out with a limited budget and limited time to the most effective group of people. A campaign comprised of updated web pages, blog posts, social media pushes, ads, and emails was drawn up and executed on. The store has a very solid cadre of locals and regulars, but we wanted to target a larger number of people in the Bozeman region.
Despite the tight timeline, the event was PACKED. Movie tickets sold out well in advance, and the party venue the following night was full to the brim. Totals are still being calculated, but it’s looking like over $37k was raised for Loaves and Fishes.
These events are always fun, not only due to the challenge of marketing them, but seeing the community come together around a good cause. This event gave us a chance to not only work with our client Dan Bailey’s, but coordinate and work with other local businesses such as Katabatic Brewing, Neptune’s Brewery, The Cross Pollinators, Stella’s Gourmet Kitchen, Follow Yer Nose BBQ, the Livingston Depot Center, and more.
Our very favorite part though? The event photography. Capturing these large scale events across a wide space is a ton of fun, and keeps you moving and active during the entire time. People are endlessly fascinating to photograph, and a fun event like that offers a plethora of different reactions, emotions, faces and activities.
Hosting an event and looking for photography? Let’s talk! Fill out the form below and I’ll be in touch ASAP.
