Falls of the Ohio Foundation’s ‘LightFall’ & SoIN Tourism win awards at Indiana Tourism Conference
The Falls of the Ohio Foundation and SoIN Tourism received awards for Best Event and Best Specialty Item, respectively, from the Indiana Tourism Association this week. The awards were presented on Tuesday, March 15 in Noblesville during the Indiana Tourism Conference.
The Falls of the Ohio Foundation received the Best Event award for its September 2021 presentation of LightFall, a light and sound experience. Developed with River Heritage Conservancy, the event transformed the Falls of the Ohio State Park and connected people to Southern Indiana’s natural landscapes. Artist Annie Mitchell and sound artist WG Rickel used light and sound during September evening hours to ignite interest in area river parks. Selling out in its inaugural year, the event drew new visitors from the surrounding area and eight other states.
Indiana Tourism Association’s Executive Director, Carrie Lambert presented the awards, along with emcee and TV host, Gerry Dick of Inside Indiana Business. The awards ceremony marked a return to the annual wards and tourism conference after a two-year hiatus.
“We are thrilled to receive this award and bring attention to the significant natural, cultural, and historical resources of the Falls of the Ohio area,” said Kenton Wooden, executive director of the Falls of the Ohio Foundation. “LightFall would not have been possible without the many partners and volunteers who helped. The event transformed the state park, allowing people to experience the Falls in a whole new way.”
The Falls of the Ohio Foundation partnered with River Heritage Conservancy to bring this impactful art installation to Southern Indiana. LightFall engaged people in natural spaces that have shaped the community’s origins. Carefully curated, it delivered a beautifully composed visitor experience that enhanced the region’s quality of place and activated the Falls in a unique way. Over LightFall’s four-night run, the event sold out with more than 1,600 people experiencing it.
“We are grateful for innovative events like LightFall that our tourism partners develop,” said Jim Epperson, Executive Director of SoIN Tourism. “A destination is successful when its tourism partners are successful, and events like LightFall are another reason why people visit and live in Clark and Floyd Counties.”
LightFall partners and supporters included The Bales Foundation, Samtec Cares, Falls of the Ohio State Park, SoIN Tourism and Louisville Public Media.
Also at the event, SoIN Tourism received the Best Specialty Item award; the specialty items, an Indiana shaped cutting board and whiskey stones, was a thank you to its partners who continued working with the bureau and welcoming visitors during the pandemic. These specialty items were distributed in 2021.
About the Falls of the Ohio Foundation
The Falls of the Ohio Foundation is a nonprofit, charitable organization whose mission is to be a collaborative force focused on elevating the awareness, recognition and legacy of the Falls of the Ohio area. The Foundation does this by enhancing the landscape and preserving it for future generations, educating the community on the area’s significance, and activating the space in ways that connect people to the stories of the past. For more information visit www.fallsoftheohio.org.
About SoIN Tourism
SoIN Tourism (Clark-Floyd Counties Convention & Tourism Bureau) is the official destination marketing organization for southern Indiana’s Clark and Floyd Counties. Its mission is to promote and develop the unique Southern Indiana visitor experience to priority targeted group and leisure travelers. For more information, visit www.GoSoIN.com.