 Wednesday March 10, 2010 11:56 pm |
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Annual Michigan 50's Festival Postponed
The Michigan 50’s Festival’s Board of Directors announced today that the Festival originally planned for July, 2009 is being postponed for one-year. Economic conditions are the main reason according to Lori Kapleczak Festival President. “After careful consideration it was determined that in order for us to maintain the quality event that residents of Novi have come to enjoy over the last 21 years, we need the support of the business community. During these tough economic times, it is increasingly difficult for businesses to find extra monies to support our community event.” It is estimated that it takes up to $150,000 annually to produce the event and 100% of the net proceeds go back to the community. The Festivals Board of Directors is comprised of volunteers who derive no financial benefit from the event.
Most business still express an interest in supporting events like this but the dollars needed to put this high quality event on just aren’t there this year. Kapleczak went on to say that “this is by no means a cancellation of this outstanding event, simply a delay in order for the Board of Directors to spend more time raising funds for future events. The Novi business community has been staunch supporters for many years and we know they will be back when times warrant.” Additionally, Kapleczak said that “this delay will hopefully give us the opportunity to to move to a permanent venue at the proposed Signature Park at 11 Mile and Beck Roads should voters support the ballot proposal for establishment of this park in November.”
Mayor David Landry expressed disappointment over the decision but said he “clearly understands and supports the notion that putting on a festival that is not up to the standards we’ve come to know is not in the best long term interest of the community” and he has pledged to continue to work with the Festivals Board of Directors on plans for an even larger event in 2010. Landry went on to say that “This merely underscores the need to develop a Signature Park as a gathering place for Novi residents.”
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