Here we go again. The pr mill is cranking up The Louisiana Prize Fest. Its hyped as a "celebration like no other."
Hmmm---who does it really celebrate other than the founder, chief cheerleader and press magnet Gregory Kallenberg?
The latest presser lists the following:
1. Louisiana Film Prize featuring 20 short films that must be filmed in Caddo or elsewhere in Louisiana
2. Louisiana Music Prize featuring 11 bands and musicians from across the nation
3. Comedy Prize which will feature two shows with comedians from across the nation
4. Louisiana Food Prize with regional chiefs and mixologists
5. Start-Up Prize with entrepreneurs from across the nation
These events will be held from Oct.16 through Oct. 19.
At least some of these offerings involve and/or limited to locals. The others are worthy from the perspective of a local gringo promoting nationwide folks using money from local businesses. And of course, they promote Kallenberg as bigger than life.
Kallenberg's prize kingdom is fueled by large contributions from local businesses and patrons. Whether or not there is any accountability for these funds is unknown. But what is known is that his fundraising undoubtedly has a negative impact on local non-profits providing services to local citizens.
Attendees to the prize fest events must pay an entrance fee. And those that are participating in the various contests must also pay a fee to be considered as finalists.
Kallenberg's signature warm up act for events require cheering for him. This routine plus his constant promotion of tequila with his Viva La Fest toasts is a tiring routine that detracts from the actual events. Media coverage of the tequila toasts are disgusting from perspective of encouraging alcohol consumption by a non-profit entity.
To his credit Kallenberg has grown an empire from a small start. He has used his family name to draw many local sponsors from businesses that have most likely backed him versus other local nonprofits that provides services versus entertainment to our area. How much he raises for his prize fests contests and how much he pays himself along with expenses for him paid by the prize empire are unknown.
I appreciate Gregory's efforts, and I applaud his business success. However, I question the real contributions of the festival events to the betterment of Shreveport Bossier citizens and the local economy. Seemingly his ego knowns no bounds and in my opinion detract from the prize contests and the credibility of his efforts.