How to Make Your Town’s Event Feel Like a Big Deal (Even on a Tiny Budget)
Let’s be honest - not every town has a fireworks budget.
Some of us are working with two folding tables, a string of lights from last year’s winter walk, and a PTO group chat that’s half crickets, half chaos.
And yet… you still want people to show up.
To care.
To walk away saying, “That was actually really nice.”
So… how do we make our small-town events feel like something special without breaking the bank?
Let me break it down, from someone who’s helped promote events that had no budget, no photographer, and sometimes… no backup plan.
1. Start with the story - not the stuff.
If you’re like me, you’ve probably fallen into the Pinterest rabbit hole once or twice.
(I once planned a whole pretend block party in my head just because I saw cute balloon arches.)
But the truth is - people don’t show up for balloon arches.
They show up for stories.
So before you think about what you’re doing — ask:
What does this event mean for our town?
Is it a way to bring neighbors together?
To support local students?
To bring life to a quiet corner of downtown?
That’s your lead. That’s what goes in the post. That’s what goes on the flyer.
2. Use photos that feel human - not perfect.
You don’t need a professional photographer (though hey, if you’ve got one, great).
But you do need a photo that feels like “us.”
📸 Snap a picture of the volunteers setting up.
📸 Capture a kid handing out lemonade.
📸 Show the prep, the mess, the behind-the-scenes.
People want to see themselves in your event — literally and emotionally.
If it looks too polished, it might feel like it’s not for them.
But if it looks like “oh hey, that’s my neighbor with the clipboard,” now we’re talking.
3. Create a simple “get excited” moment online.
This could be:
A countdown post (just 3 days to go!)
A throwback photo from last year’s event
A “what to expect” carousel with a quick run of what’s happening
If you’re thinking, “But we don’t have a designer…”
Friend. Canva is free.
Use a photo, add some bold text, and boom — you’re in business.
Make it feel like something is coming. People respond to momentum, not just information.
4. Use what your town already has.
You don’t need to rent fancy stuff.
Lean into what’s already available:
🎤 Ask the high school band to perform
🎁 Invite local businesses to donate small prizes
📍 Use the park, the library steps, the school gym
🎨 Ask the art teacher to set up a kids' table
People love to feel involved — and most of the time, they’re more than willing to help when they know what you need.
5. Celebrate the after.
This part? Often skipped. But so powerful.
A few days after the event:
Post a photo with a “thank you” to those who came
Share a moment that made it memorable (“We loved seeing 6-year-old Carter hand out water bottles like a boss!”)
Tag folks who helped
Because when people feel seen — they show up again next time.
Bonus Tip: It’s okay if it’s small.
Seriously.
It doesn’t have to be perfect, or packed, or even that loud.
Sometimes, the best events are the ones where neighbors linger a little longer, chat a little more, and leave feeling a little more connected.
You don’t need a stage to make a memory.
Just intention.
Just care.
Just the reminder that small doesn’t mean insignificant.
You’ve got this.
And if you need help turning those flyers into scroll-stopping posts?
That’s where I come in. 😉
Let’s make your town’s next event feel like the big deal it truly is.
With heart,
Michelle
