BRIANNA HALE always knew she wanted to run her own business — she just didn’t know what kind. With a degree in business, she initially started out making and selling home decor, but setting up for her first event left her searching for something bigger.
“I saw a lot at that event, but I just knew it could be so much bigger and better,” she said.
That epiphany led to Brianna Victory Events, a successful event-planning business that now hosts 18 major events annually and draws thousands of attendees.
Hale’s first official event was a craft fair, but her next venture truly put her on the map — the Peach Cobbler Festival. It started as a small community gathering and has grown into a massive annual event, attracting thousands of people each year.
Spirited attendees paid $5 to sample and vote on their favorite cobbler, while vendors sold their own sweet creations throughout the festival. In addition to the contest, the festival featured a petting zoo, train rides, and vendors selling all kinds of peach-themed goodies.
“They lined up hours before the contest even happened,” she said.
The festival’s meteoric rise in popularity soon overwhelmed its original confines, leading Hale to seek a new home at Hop Springs.
Hale’s events have expanded even more over the years in both size and variety, covering everything from family-friendly festivals to niche expos. In addition to the Peach Cobbler Festival, she has introduced a Butterfly Festival featuring 2,000 butterflies, a circus, carnival rides, foam parties, and fireworks shows.
What exactly is the secret to her success? Inclusivity. She designs every event with something for everyone, from kids’ activities to live music, fireworks, and even a circus this year.
The entertainment is just the icing on the cake — the real foundation is the vendors who make her events possible. She believes that prosperous local businesses create stronger, more connected communities.
Aside from festival frenzies and celebrations, Hale has used her platform to give back to the community. She has raised money for Westwood Elementary’s special education program and collected donations for local nursing homes.
Surprise giveaways, from family entertainment packages to extravagant prizes like free vacations, wedding dresses, and honeymoons, wind their way into many of her events.
“I love catching people off guard with something special,” she said.
“I had a Berry Festival, and there was this family that came in wearing matching outfits from head to toe, covered in berries. They were shopping and bought a lot from the vendors — I saw them everywhere. I got on the microphone, thanked them for coming out and supporting everybody, and gave the family the first $300 certificate to Main Event.”
Hale’s creative process is entirely her own. Admittedly, her brain often roams with new and exciting event ideas in the middle of the night. And when the event day arrives, she runs on pure adrenaline.
“I work 18 hours straight without sitting down leading up to the event. And I’m just full of energy on the event days. My favorite part is the day of the event because I get to see how it all came together and engage with everybody who came.”
Hale takes event planning to new levels. She creates experiences that bring people together, support local businesses, and leave attendees with moments they won’t forget. GN
