top of page

CREATE UPSTATE

Media Related Tips, Tricks, and Experiences for Upstate New York 

Search

Content Creation Tips for Local Events, Fairs, and Festivals in Upstate NY

an older man and child riding bumper cars at fair

Spring through fall in Upstate New York is packed with local events—think craft fairs in Saratoga, food festivals in the Hudson Valley, and community parades in small towns across the region. For small businesses, these events are golden opportunities to build brand awareness, connect with customers, and gather rich, authentic content. But how do you make the most of it? Here are some practical content creation tips for local events, fairs, and festivals—straight from the lens of a media studio that knows the rhythm of Upstate NY.

1. Plan Ahead: Scout, Schedule & Strategize

Before the event:

  • Research the layout: Where’s your booth or area? Is there natural light? Good backgrounds?

  • Create a shot list: Think headshots, crowd shots, product close-ups, behind-the-scenes setup, customer interactions, and wide-angle views.

  • Prep your team: Assign who’s taking photos, capturing video clips, or managing social media live posts.

Pro Tip: If the event is recurring, search hashtags or past event pages for inspiration from previous years.

2. Capture Authentic Interactions

Forget stiff, posed photos—what performs best online is real moments:

  • A customer trying your product for the first time

  • Kids enjoying your free samples

  • A casual chat with a local vendor friend

  • People browsing or engaging with your display

Ask for permission if someone is clearly identifiable, but most people are happy to be part of a local moment.

3. Use the Setting to Your Advantage

Upstate NY events are often surrounded by stunning natural or historic backdrops. Use them!

  • Shoot during golden hour if possible (around sunset)

  • Use tents, string lights, and signage to frame your space visually

  • Include recognizable local landmarks in your shots to make it relatable

4. Think Multi-Purpose Content

Capture with reusability in mind:

  • Horizontal video clips for YouTube or website

  • Vertical content for Instagram Stories, Reels, and TikTok

  • Photos that could work for future ads, banners, or flyers

  • Time-lapse of your setup or tear-down for a cool behind-the-scenes effect

5. Engage Your Community in Real-Time

While you're there:

  • Post Instagram Stories with polls (“Which flavor should we bring next time?”)

  • Tag neighboring vendors, event hosts, and your town’s page

  • Use the official event hashtag, plus local ones like #delawarecountyEvents or #[YourTown]Eats

This helps you get discovered and encourages resharing by others.

6. After the Event: Repurpose & Reflect

Don’t just post once and forget it.

  • Create a recap post with 5–10 of your best photos

  • Share testimonials or customer quotes

  • Turn clips into a 30-second highlight reel

  • Send a thank-you post tagging vendors, volunteers, and organizers

Bonus: Save everything in a folder labeled with the event name and year so you're ready to promote next time!

Local events in Upstate NY aren’t just fun—they’re fertile ground for gathering months' worth of content. With a little strategy, a creative eye, and a phone or camera in hand, you can turn a one-day event into a powerful branding moment. Need help capturing your next event professionally? That’s what we do best. Let’s talk.

Comentários

bottom of page