Summerfest falls to lack of funding

MONTROSE  — This Fourth of July could be a little quieter, as the annual “Summerfest” event is in limbo.

For more than 10 years, area residents have gathered for the event that includes bed races and relays, raffles and give-a-ways, balloon and horseback rides, and just fun under the sun with neighbors and friends. However, with no main coordinator or funding mechanism for the event, celebrants may have to come up with something else to do on Independence Day.

“The Summerfest will not occur this year because it is not in our contract nor is the funding to do it,” said Juli Messenger, director of the Montrose Area Merchants Association.

The event took place once in the late 1980s, and then was resurrected by MAMA in 1997 as a bonus event to the Lighter Than Air Balloon Affaire that once took place in Montrose.

“The board at the time thought it could keep people in town over the July holiday,” Messenger said.

Last year, Summerfest, known as the Great America Summer Solute (G.A.S.S.) until 2006, was held at McNeil Sports Complex (the soccer fields) and more than 1,000 people attended.

“I think the community has grown to really look forward to this event,” Messenger said. “Some folks plan their Fourth around it and are going to be disappointed that it’s gone.”

But Messenger believes the event could continue.

“I can see this event to be turned into a fundraiser instead of everything being paid out of a fund,” she said.

In the past, MAMA had a budget for Summerfest. Last year, it cost $13,500. Costs included renting the field from Montrose Recreation District, Port-A-Potties and tent rentals, a DJ and horseback rides, as well as lot of advertising.

MAMA solicited for community help through non-profit organizations that gave their time to put up tents and clean up after. Local businesses sponsored events by running the events themselves.

“Because it’s gone from our contract and we don’t have the funds, it would be nice if an organization would adopt it,” Messenger said.

The funds are not there because MAMA’s budget, which is set by a city contract supported by the Retail Sales Enhancement Fund, was cut. Last year, MAMA’s contract was $298,000. This year’s contract was decreased to $251,000.

“We made cuts in every area,” Messenger said. “We didn’t cancel anything else but ratcheted back on every line item.”

The Summerfest was cut because of all the events MAMA coordinates, Summerfest was seen as being less retail enhancing.

Contact Kati O’Hare via e-mail at katio@montrosepress.com