I just learned that the Mahone Bay Boat Festival will not be held this year. This event is 20 years old but lack of volunteers and an operating loss from last year have left the organizers with no choice... the festival is cancelled.
What will this mean to the local artists? Fewer visitors, fewer buyers, fewer sales.
If events such as this are to continue there must be a way for all interested parties to support the function and to make sure that continued success is possible. However, things have to change as well. People do not want to see the same old thing year after year. They want new experiences and many festivals don't deliver on that front.
To all festival organizers, try to introduce one new item a year. It may be as simple as replacing the opening speeches with a ribbon cutting instead...not in addition to. Look for ways to increase participation and involvement and reward the volunteers. Make sure they get into the concerts, or have first choice at the sale tables or get a plaque or certificate of appreciation.
Will all festivals survive? No. Should all festivals survive? No. But a community needs to save the good and make them better. That is the only way for everyone to be winners.
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