GRiZ’s Seven Stars and event producer 100x Presents announce their substantial donation to Nelson County Public Schools and the festival’s 2025 economic impact.
GRiZ‘s Valley of the Seven Stars is preparing for its awaited return to scenic Arrington, VA. Alongside the launch of the festival’s loyalty presale, the curated camping festival and event producer 100x Presents announced the massive contributions made to the local community following the inaugural festival.
Known for his philanthropic efforts, GRiZ and 100x Presents have committed to supporting Nelson County Public Schools by donating a whopping $30,000 to be invested in local education. Areas of support include academic departments, performing arts and creative programs, career and technical education initiatives, and student scholarship opportunities.
With over 20,000 attendees at Seven Stars’ first edition, the event was a massive success. The economic impact driven by the event’s attendees is estimated to be around $2.5 to $3 million.
Nelson County saw significant spending at local businesses, with an estimated average spend of $132 per festival goer. Adding $120,000 in food tax revenue, $85,000 in transient occupancy tax, and $48,000 in beverage tax revenue to neighboring communities, the festival was a much-appreciated generator of tax revenue for 2025.
Seven Stars attracted ravers from across the country to rural Virginia, boosting local tourism for the county and surrounding areas. While Virginia was one of the top-attendee states, over 85% of ticket holders traveled from outside of Virginia. Additional leading states included Colorado, Florida, Michigan, and North Carolina.
Along with providing financial benefits to the county, Seven Stars’ emphasis on sustainability also enabled the local food bank, Nelson County Pantry, to receive 1,334 pounds of surplus food. Amounting to roughly 1,915 meals, the donation helped serve community members in need instead of contributing to America’s overarching waste problem.
Nelson County’s city of Arrington is no stranger to hosting large-scale events. Formerly the home of jam-centric festival Lockn’, the festival went under due partly to financial strain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. With money now pouring back into Nelson County, the local leaders are hoping for a long-term relationship thanks to their positive experience working with the event producer.
It was our pleasure to partner with 100x at Seven Stars. Their attention to detail was unlike anything I have ever experienced, and most importantly, safety was their clear priority. At every daily briefing, the impact on the local community was discussed, and operational adjustments were made if needed. It’s hard to imagine a promoter being more respectful of their host community than 100x was of Nelson County.
Curtis Sheets, Chief of Wintergreen Fire and Rescue
