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# One Spark, The World's Crowdfunding Festival – Jacksonville's Premier Creative Showcase
One Spark, The World's Crowdfunding Festival, is a vibrant annual event held in Jacksonville, FL, that brings together innovators, artists, and entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas and projects. This festival has become a cornerstone of the local community, celebrating creativity and collaboration. With a rich history of fostering local talent, One Spark allows attendees to engage with creators, vote on their favorite projects, and contribute to their success. The festival has garnered positive reviews for its lively atmosphere, diverse offerings, and the sense of community it fosters among participants and visitors alike.

## History
### The story of One Spark
One Spark was founded with the vision of creating a platform for local innovators and artists to showcase their ideas and gain support from the community. The festival aims to empower creators by providing them with a space to present their projects, connect with potential investors, and receive feedback from the public. This initiative has transformed Jacksonville into a hub for creativity and entrepreneurship, encouraging collaboration and innovation.

### Milestones and growth
- **2013:** The inaugural One Spark festival took place, attracting attention from local media and the community.
- **2014:** The festival expanded, featuring more creators and attracting larger crowds, solidifying its status as a key event in Jacksonville.
- **2015:** One Spark introduced a mobile app for voting, enhancing the attendee experience and engagement.
- **2016:** The festival continued to grow, with increased participation from local businesses and sponsors.
- **2020:** Despite challenges posed by the pandemic, One Spark adapted by hosting virtual events, ensuring that creators could still showcase their projects.

### Cultural and local influence
One Spark has significantly influenced Jacksonville's cultural landscape by promoting local artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs. The festival has become a platform for diverse voices and ideas, showcasing everything from technological innovations to artistic expressions. By highlighting local talent, One Spark fosters a sense of pride in the community and encourages collaboration among creators, businesses, and residents.

### Continuing the tradition
As One Spark continues to evolve, it remains committed to its founding principles of creativity and community engagement. The festival adapts to changing circumstances while maintaining its focus on supporting local innovators. Each year, One Spark seeks to enhance the experience for both creators and attendees, ensuring that it remains a vital part of Jacksonville's cultural fabric.

## Community
### Community involvement
One Spark thrives on community involvement, encouraging local residents to participate actively in the festival. From volunteering to attending events, the community plays a crucial role in the festival's success. Local businesses often sponsor booths or provide resources, further enhancing the collaborative spirit of the event. This involvement fosters a sense of ownership among residents, making them feel invested in the success of the festival and its creators.

### Community notion about the place
The community views One Spark as a celebration of innovation and creativity. Many attendees express pride in Jacksonville's ability to host such a dynamic event, showcasing the city's potential and talent. Reviews highlight the festival's ability to bring people together, creating a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. The positive atmosphere and diverse offerings contribute to the community's perception of One Spark as a must-attend event.

### Events and gatherings
Throughout the festival, various events and gatherings take place, including workshops, panel discussions, and live performances. These activities provide opportunities for networking and collaboration among creators and attendees. The festival also features food trucks and local vendors, enhancing the overall experience and encouraging visitors to explore the culinary offerings of Jacksonville. This blend of creativity, community, and entertainment makes One Spark a unique and engaging event.

## Offerings
### What One Spark offers
One Spark offers a diverse range of activities and experiences for attendees, from interactive booths showcasing innovative projects to live performances by local artists. The festival serves as a platform for creators to present their ideas, engage with the public, and receive valuable feedback. Attendees can explore various exhibits, participate in voting, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of downtown Jacksonville.

### Dining and food experience
The culinary experience at One Spark is a highlight for many attendees. The festival features a food truck alley, offering a variety of cuisines from local vendors. Visitors can sample everything from gourmet tacos to artisanal desserts, making it a gastronomic adventure. The presence of food trucks not only adds to the festival's lively atmosphere but also supports local businesses, further enhancing the community aspect of the event.

### Events and packages
One Spark hosts a variety of events throughout the festival, including workshops, panel discussions, and live music performances. These events provide opportunities for attendees to engage with creators and learn more about their projects. Additionally, the festival offers packages for sponsors and vendors, allowing businesses to showcase their products and services while supporting the local creative community.

### Facilities and features
- Interactive booths showcasing innovative projects
- Live performances by local artists
- Food truck alley featuring diverse cuisines
- Workshops and panel discussions
- Voting app for attendee engagement

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Reviews of One Spark highlight both the strengths and areas for improvement of the festival. Attendees appreciate the vibrant atmosphere and the opportunity to engage with local creators. However, some feedback points to challenges in organization and logistics, particularly regarding registration and navigation within the festival grounds.

### Compliments and strengths
Many attendees commend One Spark for its ability to bring the community together and showcase local talent. The festival's diverse offerings, including food, art, and technology, contribute to its appeal. Positive reviews often mention the sense of excitement and energy present during the event, making it a memorable experience for participants.

### Contrasts and notable mentions
While the overall sentiment towards One Spark is positive, some attendees have noted areas for improvement. Issues such as registration difficulties and crowded spaces have been mentioned in reviews. However, many attendees express optimism about the festival's growth and the potential for continued improvement in future editions.

### Summary evaluation
Overall, One Spark is celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere, community involvement, and support for local creators. While there are challenges to address, the festival's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, making it a valuable event for Jacksonville and its residents.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
One Spark takes place in downtown Jacksonville, FL, specifically at 100 N Laura St, Jacksonville Public Library - Main Branch. This central location is easily accessible and surrounded by various attractions, including local shops, restaurants, and cultural venues. The festival's setting in the heart of the city enhances the experience, allowing attendees to explore the vibrant downtown area while enjoying the festivities. The community's enthusiasm for the event contributes to the lively atmosphere, making it a highlight of the city's cultural calendar.

## FAQs
**What is One Spark** A crowdfunding festival showcasing local creators and their projects.
**When does One Spark take place** The festival typically occurs annually in the spring.
**Is there an entrance fee** Yes, there is usually a fee for attendees, which may vary by year.
**Can I vote for projects** Yes, attendees can vote for their favorite projects using a mobile app.
**Are there food options available** Yes, a variety of food trucks and vendors are present during the festival.

## Visit One Spark Today
One Spark, The World's Crowdfunding Festival, is an essential event for anyone interested in creativity, innovation, and community engagement. With its rich history, diverse offerings, and strong community support, the festival continues to thrive in Jacksonville. Attendees can enjoy a vibrant atmosphere filled with art, music, and culinary delights while supporting local creators. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, One Spark is a must-see event that showcases the best of Jacksonville's creative spirit.

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The one spark events have always been one of my favorite community events. Creativity and new ideas from people in the local community bring the whole city together. However, it is also a contest in which people can choose from each booth or company who has the best idea. Location- downtown underneath the football stadium gate. It was a rainy day but it didn't stop the crowd for participating. This year was much smaller than the previous years and they also charged a 12 dollar fee for each guest which was way overpriced considering it only includes entrance fee. Drinks should at least be included. Not as much people participated in the program this year. So I felt the vibe wasn't too exciting. They did have some cute ideas like the wax candle glass ideas or even solar powered RVS. Anyway it was fun but I can't get over the rip off entrance fee of 12.00 dollars!!

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I am so thrilled we attended One Spark this year! As Daisy D. said, it is really great to see downtown crawling with so many people. It's like downtown Jax is finally coming alive again and it is such a great, great thing! I think it's amazing that our wonderful city gets to host this huge event every year. So many people with so many amazing new ideas all coming together in one place for a great big showcase. I throughly enjoyed walking the streets and seeing all the new ideas and inventions. Also saw some really great art and heard some really great music. We only went one day this year, so we didn't get to see everything. I definitely plan on attending multiple days next year so I'll be able to take much more of it in! I really can't add anything extra to what everyone else has already said about this amazing event, but I do have just one last thing to say: Love the huge ass Goldfish floating in the water in Hemming Plaza! Oh yea! http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/one-spark-the-worlds-crowdfunding-festival-jacksonville?select=Br_nES2oTtkB7otIkp2NJQ#Br_nES2oTtkB7otIkp2NJQ

85e57ebc-77e2-47d4-b65b-2b5424d8b5f2

I love what this festival is doing for Jacksonville. Not only does it showcase talented artists and musicians, talented minds of the technological and innovative type are welcome to showcase as well. You had the usual painters and performers, but at OneSpark, they had people raising funds for cool ideas like healthy snacks in kids schools, touch screen tables, a school based in a skatepark, and a music studio powered by bicycle. Oh, and let's not forget the street full of food trucks! There were so many people and downtown came alive ArtWalk style in the weekend daylight. So many fun things to see, so many interesting people to meet. As for the voting process, I thought it was great that visitors could vote for more than one exhibit/cause. Alot of people complained that the distribution of money was too wide so that it thinned out the winnings. I disagree. I think it's great that anyone who got any vote received a portion of the money. After all, everyone here made an effort to get votes, so why not? Out of the people I voted for, two were winners. I can't wait to see the artsy revolution get jumpstarted from this awesome event. Go One Spark!

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My first time being able to attend one spark....... Totally impressed!!! Downtown is a beautiful place and this is showing how much is down there. I really didn't know what to expect, a Crowd funding festival!? You walk around and people have booths set up to tell you about their ideas.... Big or small, then you can vote for them thru the app and can also contribute financially if you want to. Cool to hear about the creators. It was a wonderful way to spend the day just hanging out and loved all the food trucks there.

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One Spark! Yay! I enjoyed this year's festival even more than last year. There were more vendors but the space downtown was a little more compacted and easier to get to. I attended both as a spectator and as a creator for a work project. The organization was better this year. Food truck alley was fabulous and packed every single day. I enjoyed trying different things for lunch every day. Project information on the website was handy, but their location was not always easy to find quickly. The voting was easy once you got registered. I know a number of people who had registration issues, myself included. The registration site said my phone was registered with a different account so I could not log in. There was no one who would solve my problem. I ended up having to show ID at the registration booth and have them check me in so I could vote. Once I was confirmed checked in, I was able to use the app and vote. I do hope they have a way to solve registration issues next year, not just find a work around. An absolute ton of people visited downtown during the festival. The first day the drive downtown was insane, but I remember and came around the back every other day. There was JSO and private security constantly walking about which allowed creators to leave tents and tables in place instead of breaking them down every single night. There was also a bevy of One Spark volunteers who were eager to help. Each creator had a volunteer assigned to them and there were super helpful checking on us, answering questions, and bringing handouts if needed. Also - props to Florid Blue for the creator tent. Free snacks, drinks, and massages were available daily at the creator's tent. I even managed to snag a stick charges - always handy to have around. It was a great festival. I had a great time, learned about new projects, found some people to support, and ate my way through the food truck alley. Looking forward to next year!

6689362a-12f1-4d35-87dd-5dc9606748eb

One spark is LEGIT! When I first heard about One Spark, I was like whatever...I might check it out. Then, my friend sent me a message on Facebook about it...I skimmed the website and I told my friend "I don't feel like reading it, what is it?" She says basically it's an art walk on steriods! Hahah, I thought to myself....now were talkin!" Too bad I only went to 2/5 days of the event. Day 1: Walked around, some guy comes up to me and says you've got a nice camera you n your friend should check out this Fashion Show there cute girls, free wine/beer, and free Bonefish Grill! I'm sold! hahah it was amazing! It was how i pictured New York Fashion week on a smaller scale and I got to be paparazzi with 4 other photographers. We got served different wines, a fancy tuna dish that was amazing, a seafood mix with chips, and a quinoa mixture. What a start to One Spark! Then we checked out the One Spark Food Village! Food Trucks, to food stands, Jamaican, Asian, Brazilian, BBQ, tacos it was all there! Then, walked all over the place soaked in all the art, music, random street shows, and different One Spark booths. Julie A. told me about the Happy Grilled Cheese Truck and I found out they were opening at 8pm. As soon as 8pm hit, the chase started. We ended up going in the wrong direction but eventually we made it and it was all worth it. Check out the review here: http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-happy-grilled-cheese-jacksonville#hrid:nMuhGR9h2BuTVQIhrsmiwA Day 2: Walked around.....ended up at the Fathomsphere booth by Chamblin's bookmine. The Fathomsphere goal was to restore an unused building downtown to serve as a cultural center. They had a live band, people freestyling, hula hoops for kids, a dance floor, and the kids running the show were so talented. The music even got me get down on the dance floor! This was the 1st booth I voted for. How good were they? Awesome enough to win 1st place in the music category! There was another live band that was redonkulous! They had a crowd of at least 100 people in a massive circle! I have video of the music straight flowing through people dancing! If they had a tip jar, they would need a bathtub to hold all that mula! After that, we got food from Corner Taco, got samples of free food like Broccoli Brownies, Fruit and vegetable juices, and walked around until our feet bled. If you want to go to a place where the energy is electric you MUST to come to One Spark! Art, music, technology, dancing, food, and good vibes...what else could you ask for? There is too much to say about One Spark....I added a gang of pictures so you can see for yourself!

57772108-763a-48c2-80ee-1e887f98eee4

Opening night of One Spark 2014 was ridiculously fun! I've never felt such community TRANSCENDENCE in Jacksonville before! There was a giant wave of ENERGY and I just crested on top of it all night long. Giant sculptures to check out, photos ops to interact with, free beer, free ice cream, live music, and I kept running into friends at every corner! What is One Spark you ask? It's an GIANT annual block party to help fund your dreams! Be it a start up business, technological invention, non-profit, bakery, an after school program, medical technology, or supporting the local arts. These "Creators" receive votes via smart phone from the participating crowd which are FREE to give. At the end of the 5 day festival they tally up the votes and each creator receives a cut of the prize money. Last year the overall winner was ReThreaded, a local non-profit that helps ex-prostitutes in India learn life skills to survive so they don't have to turn back to prostitution. My favorite this year was the HUGE Teepee that sat in Hemming Plaza and had a live marsh mellow roast led by Dr. Wayne Wood inside. The interior of the Teepee was beautiful too with a hanging chandelier and oval paintings hung on the wall. So mysteriously elegant! I also enjoyed the "secret tunnel" leading to a bank vault under the old Barnett Bank. AdLib Tours is trying to restore all the secret tunnels in Jacksonville and connect them. Awesome! We also listened to Firewater Tent Revival at "One Spark After Dark" which was set in the Jax Chamber of Commerce parking lot and filled with Food Trucks. The lounge area was ultra comfortable and two beers from Intuition Ale Works were also available for purchase. Everyone was in SUCH a good mood! I talked with plenty of strangers and I felt like we were one cuddly family. We banded together on the sardine packed skyway when one person had to get off we did it 'Dauntless' style! The overly anxious skyway drivers kept closing the doors on riders and my father got slapped in the shoulders with them. This poor woman almost got hit before we yanked her inside! All the riders banded together to open, move, and help you jump off in time. The community camaraderie was unlike anything I've ever experienced. That alone made One Spark a huge success to me! Saturday was another experience entirely. We all swore to take a day off work next year and attend on a Thursday or Friday *instead* of heading out on a Saturday. The line at the skyway was wrapped around the upper level all the way DOWN to the ground floor. We decided to walk the fifteen minutes to downtown instead of waiting in line. It was actually fun and we go to pose in front of some Shaun Thurston mural work for an impromptu photoshoot. The crowds downtown on Saturday were THICK! Thicker than Disney World on a Holiday! I am thrilled how popular One Spark has become and hope the momentum propels it to continue year after year---but this lady will kindly NOT go on a Saturday again. I felt squeezed the entire time I was there and I just didn't enjoy that. As an attendee to both years of One Spark I am glad the bugs of the voting process have been worked out but I did I miss all the yarn bombing that was prevalent last year. I am SO proud of the success of One Spark and I'm already excited for it next year! http://www.beonespark.com/

9598ad7b-d932-4581-aab7-8717926abfb2

I will admit I don't usually go to events like this. Sometimes they're just too much of a headache that I don't want to put up with. But i'm so glad I went this year. It's so nice to see Downtown Jacksonville actually crawling with people. The idea of getting all the creators together in one place is fantastic and why shouldn't Jacksonville be the one to do it?!?!! It was fun meandering in and out of the different booths and seeing all the city had to offer. Loved the One Spark Alt brew from Intuition. My only complaint would have to be of the organization of the Food Village. I LOVED that all the brick & mortars came out alongside the food trucks to keep our bellies happy. I didn't love so much that it became difficult to navigate as the crowds grew and the lines snaked around. I don't know if they can, but maybe having the food tents up on the sidewalk to create more walking space in the street would help. Just a thought. Other talking to a few other One Sparkers, they had similar thoughts on the organization. While I can understand some creators don't want to be pigeon-holed into one type of category, for ease of seeing all the creators from a user's perspective, it would make sense to have all the Creators grouped into broad categories (i.e. Tech, Education, Green, Music, etc). Maybe they were, but it sure didn't feel like to me. I'm excited to see what the continued growth of this festival will do for DTJax (and now Berlin). We want a vibrant downtown. We want it to be a place to go. Now we just have to set it on fire!

768b4dd9-13cf-44a4-b606-6cec4750d923

It is a must see. Bring the family! I enjoyed One Spark this year, just as much as last year. I get to see so much diversity and new inventions and cool ideas! I highly recommend you to come more than one day. This year I went five days and still did not get to see it all. I am proud of our city for doing this every year. I would love it if they did this more than once a year. I enjoyed everything I saw.

a5812cb3-7bee-481f-b224-d6b079c5b891

This event has done a tremendous job creating buzz and publicity so it was not a matter of IF I was going to attend, but when I could make it there. Instead of tempting fate, I decided to visit on opening day after work and I'm glad I did! It was a great mix of people of all backgrounds and ages with an overall positive vibe. A good number of food and beverage offerings were available alongside people hawking their creative ideas or just there to create awareness for their already established Jax businesses. For an event like this, it really comes down to people and I think the outgoing individuals coupled with some great event organizers and producers made this event a standout. I really enjoyed this opportunity to look at downtown's architecture and appreciate all that is offers, and the potential that OneSpark highlighted makes me feel good about my new home. It's one thing to be a spectator and a better thing to be an active participant, so be sure to vote for the ideas you like (it's really not that hard) and spread the word so this event will be well attended and continue to be held in the future. I'm headed to tonight's closing ceremony

Discover Jacksonville's vibrant One Spark festival at the Public Library. Experience innovative crowdfunding, exciting events, and local culture. Join now!

One Spark Festival in Jacksonville FL - Crowdfunding Event

Jacksonville

One Spark, The World's Crowdfunding Festival

Florida

Join One Spark, the world's crowdfunding festival, at Jacksonville Public Library. Discover innovative projects & enjoy a vibrant event in Jacksonville, FL.

Experience One Spark, Jacksonville's Crowdfunding Festival at Main Branch

Learn about One Spark, the world's crowdfunding festival held at Jacksonville Public Library. Explore its mission, history, and how it connects creators & communities in Jacksonville, FL.

About One Spark, Jacksonville's Crowdfunding Festival at Main Branch

Opening hours for One Spark, Jacksonville's crowdfunding festival at Jacksonville Public Library. Find opening hours for One Spark, Jacksonville, FL on 100 N Laura St.

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Experience the Menu at One Spark

Chamblin's Uptown

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Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra