Carol Popejoy, Executive Director of the Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival (TVBWF) was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of the International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA) Educational Foundation. She serves with board members representing events and festivals around the world including the National Cherry Festival, Sunfest, Kentucky Derby Festival, and the Indianapolis 500 Festival.
“The Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival is one of the premier events in Riverside County. Its long standing success has primarily been due to the efforts of Carol Popejoy. Carol is a consummate professional and has always been a delight to work with,” stated Riverside County Third District Supervisor, Jeff Stone.
Popejoy has been a member of IFEA for 14 years and served as the Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival Executive Director for 16. During her tenure the Festival has won 25 IFEA awards and numerous CalFest Awards. Popejoy also serves on the California/Nevada Festivals and Events Association Board (CalFest) a professional organization of event producers from California and Nevada.
“Carol’s appointment speaks to the outstanding quality of the Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival,” stated City of Temecula Mayor Maryann Edwards. “Under Carol’s leadership and that of a very dedicated local Board of Directors, the festival has become an international attraction that brings visibility and economic development exposure to Temecula and our beautiful wine country. Congratulations and our sincerest thanks to Carol on this outstanding appointment,” Mayor Edwards added.
“For over 30 years, the Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival has branded the Temecula Valley. Having the Temecula Valley’s signature event represented on an international board of events is indicative of the impact and professionalism Carol Popejoy exhibits,” stated Kimberly Adams, president/CEO of the Temecula Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau.
The festival currently hosts 40,000 high income guests annually to the three-day event, works under a $1 million budget, and continuously produces economic benefits to the community through hotel occupancy, increased restaurant and tourism dollar generation during the event, and contributions to a variety of local charities.
The 2014 Festival is May 30-June 1, in the heart of Southern California Wine Country at Lake Skinner. Check out www.tvbwf.com for scheduled times and activities or call (951) 676-6713.