Indio Music Festivals Boost Local Economy

By: Elyse Miller News Channel 3 Reporter emiller@kesq.com

INDIO – Two major music festivals in two weeks, at one location. First the Coachella Music and Arts Festival brought out rock and alternative fans, camping in tents. Teens and young adults tried to stay cool despite temps nearing 100 degrees.

” Last weekend was a little warm,” says festival goer Paul Joyner.

Five days after Coachella Fest, tents are gone and R.V’s roll in. Families ride bikes around the campgrounds. Cowboy hats and boots can be seen for miles.

” It’s definitely a family place,” says festival goer, Joseph Zizzo.

During Stagecoach, the heat cooled and wind blew in.

” It’s the perfect weekend,” says Joyner.

The two events are very different, but they have at least one thing in common- both bring a lot of money into the Coachella Valley.

” I’ve spent about 5 hundred dollars,” says Joyner. ” I’ve helped the Indio, Palm Springs community.”

With the two huge events Indio, local businesses and restaurants have had a busy, prosperous couple of weeks. Sloan’s Restaurant has had more business in the past two weeks than they typically do in three months.

” It’s a big boost in business and we need it,” says Kelly Sloan, owner of ” Sloan’s.”

Sloan says the non-stop business brings back memories of the old days.

” This is how it looked 7 or 8 years ago, before the recession, the money is good,” says Sloan.

While businesses enjoy a break from the economy, festival goers do the same, as music, fun and friends take center stage.

” It’s a getaway from everyday bills and stuff, forget about that stuff and have fun,” says Joyner.