Tourism & Events

Fairhope is both a hometown and a destination. Candidates weigh in on the role of tourism, public events, and how best to balance resident quality of life with visitor appeal.

What is your vision for Fairhope’s tourism strategy in the next 5 years?  

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Andrea Faust Booth

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Jack Burrell

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Jimmy Conyers

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    George Ferniany

  • "We need to protect the experience of visiting Fairhope by ensuring our downtown is in pristine condition at all times. We must improve the parking situation, execute our festivals perfectly, and continue to innovate in our offerings to tourists. This means engaging with local businesses and community groups on ideas for the future."

    Joshua N. Gammon

    Place 2

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Tracy Gatewood

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Howell Gibbons

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    David Luc

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Corey Martin

  • "Tourism should complement—not compete with—our quality of life. That means supporting local events, small businesses, and the arts in ways that welcome visitors, but with a clear focus on our residents, our community, and the character of our town. We should continue to invest in downtown beautification, public spaces, pedestrian access, and community events that benefit the people who live here—while also offering a warm and authentic experience to those who visit. Any tourism strategy should enhance our local economy, respect our neighborhoods, and keep Fairhope a place people want to visit—but more importantly, a place we’re proud to call home."

    Jay Robinson

    Place 4

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Troy Vickers

Do you support expanding, maintaining, or limiting the number of downtown festivals and public events? Why or why not?

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Andrea Faust Booth

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Jack Burrell

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Jimmy Conyers

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    George Ferniany

  • "I think we have a great number of festivals and public events. As long as we could execute them well and provide value to locals I see no problem in expanding how may we offer (within reason)."

    Joshua N. Gammon

    Place 2

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Tracy Gatewood

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Howell Gibbons

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    David Luc

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Corey Martin

  • "I support maintaining and thoughtfully managing the number of downtown festivals and public events. Fairhope’s events—like the Fairhope Arts & Crafts Festival, the Lighting of the Trees, and the Magical Christmas Parade—are a big part of what brings our community together and makes Fairhope so special. They support our small businesses, cultivate community spirit, and create lasting memories for families. That said, it’s important to balance those benefits with the impact on traffic, street closures, and the day-to-day needs of our residents and downtown business owners. The City works to be intentional about how events are scheduled and supported—ensuring we have the right resources in place and that downtown remains safe, welcoming, and accessible."

    Jay Robinson

    Place 4

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Troy Vickers