Finding Festivals Independently Produced by Northwest Ohio Native Haylie Robinson
Uniting communities through education and entertainment is Hayliestory’s mission and the heart of new television program Finding Festivals. The 13-episodic series uses annual events to educate PBS viewers on art, heritage, culture, community, agriculture and history. The travel genre television program aims to spark intrigue and inspire audiences to create their own memories.
For two years community events were canceled and the world felt different. For the first time, many annual events have fully returned and are welcoming visitors. Festivals are more than a weekend of fun but a place where locals and visitors can gather to deepen understanding, exchange ideas and celebrate together.
Themes for festivals range from harvest and art to heritage and history. There are so many learning opportunities at annual events. Finding Festivals is dedicated to showcasing diversity, artistry and history within the host cities of each event. Some highlights from the season include: Performing an Intertribal dance at the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe Annual Pow Wow, conversing with a local historian on women’s role in building Jeep during WWII and touring a historical replica of the U.S. Brig Niagara.
The series also introduces a travel style that can be implemented from anywhere. Though this season of Finding Festivals is predominately focused in Ohio and Michigan, viewers from all over can engage with and explore events in their own area.
The television series is hosted and executively produced by Haylie Robinson, owner of HayRobin Media Productions LLC (Hayliestory). Haylie is more than your average festival goer, she is a former fair queen. It was her experience on her hometown’s royalty court that birthed the idea for the series.
“I remember attending the Milan Melon Festival and after getting a tour of the town it hit me ‘this could be a great travel show concept.’”
Finding Festivals first four episodes will air on WGTE at 10:30 a.m. 10/29, 11/5, 11/12, 11/19 and again January 2023. The full season is slated to air Fall 2023. The series is still in need of funding to complete filming and post-production of the remaining nine episodes and cover affiliated distribution and marketing costs.
As an independent producer Haylie Robinson is not commissioned, contracted or financially supported by any broadcast, cable or streaming network. Finding Festivals is solely made possible by contributions made by supporters like you; Thank You!
To help Finding Festivals be completed you can support the project below
Finding Festivals is produced by HayRobin Media Productions LLC.
Special thank you to Dead Shark Productions LLC (film crew), Troy Poling (motion graphics in Finding Festivals trailer) and Micheal Desanto (Finding Festivals Logo).
The clips in the trailer were made possible by sponsor Shores and Islands Ohio, in-kind donations and monetary donations made by supporters of the series.