Print this story | E-mail story | This story has 24 comments Add your own | iPod friendly
Summerfest is in danger
Organizers seek help from community
Published Saturday, October 11, 2008
It may be a year without Summerfest if planners don’t get help financing the 2009 event.
Less revenue, mounting parade costs and fewer sponsorship dollars in 2008 have taken a toll on Summerfest’s financial outlook into 2009, says Steve Gundersen, a member of the event’s board. Organizers plan for each year’s event based on funding from the previous summer, he said, and Summerfest 2009 is thousands of dollars short.
“There’s a possibility it may not happen,” Gundersen said.
Revenue has been down in part because planners stopped charging groups to participate in the Summerfest parade in 2007. The idea was to grow the parade by making it more accessible to non-profits and other groups, Gundersen said. That concept brought diversity to the parade, but it also lost money.
“We used to charge $25 per parade entrant,” Gundersen said. “We eliminated that fee and it took about $2,000 from our bottom line (in 2008).”
The parade also costs planners money, as the board donates $500 to each of the participating marching bands. At this point, the Summerfest board simply does not have the dollars to pay them anymore, Gundersen said. Three bands marched in 2008.
A third factor contributing to the situation is less support from local businesses, many of which are facing rising expenses. Summerfest 2007 was a great event sponsorship-wise, Gundersen said, and planners did not anticipate a drop-off in 2008.
Now the goal is to find ways to make up for the total amount of lost funding — about $5,000.
“We’re definitely just brainstorming...how to save this event,” Gundersen said.
A big factor will be involvement by additional people. The current Summerfest board is made up of roughly eight volunteers who’ve committed to three-year terms. The average age of the group is 31 or 32, Gundersen said.
“We take time out of our jobs to do this because we love Fergus Falls,” he said.
But those people could use some help. What they need is for individuals and groups to organize fundraisers with the proceeds going to Summerfest, Gundersen said.
Planners also need volunteers, said Missy Hexum, a fellow board member. In the past, she said, different groups have volunteered to organize particular Summerfest activities. Girl Scouts, for example, hosted kids’ activities at a small charge to participants.
Anyone interested in contributing to Summerfest or learning more about how to help can contact Gundersen at Thrivent Financial at 218-739-4452.
Comments
The Daily Journal is happy to host community conversations about news and life in Fergus Falls and the surrounding area. As hosts, we expect guests will show respect for each other. That means we don't threaten or defame each other, and we keep conversations free of personal attacks. Witty is great. Abusive is not. If you think a post violates these standards, don't escalate the situation. Instead, flag the comment to alert us. We'll take action if necessary. It's not hard. This should be a place where people want to read and contribute -- a place for spirited exchanges of opinion. So those who persist with racist, defamatory or abusive postings risk losing the privilege to post at all.Posted by notcominghome (anonymous) on October 11, 2008 at 12:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Does this suprise anyone?
Posted by mytwocents (anonymous) on October 11, 2008 at 2:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Way to go Fergus Falls.. Take away ONE more thing for the CHILDREN.. You may as well kiss your "families" goodbye from this town. And why does blocking off the roads and setting out a few garbage cans have to cost any money? Its the people setting up their own supplies and tents to sell their merchandise... Fergus Falls is just really beginning to suck!! Do you know how may children and adults look forward to the parade every year? This town is turning into nothing but greed!!!!!! Why do you need to charge people anyway to go down the street to show off something they have worked hard on or to show their fancy car?
Posted by notcominghome (anonymous) on October 11, 2008 at 3:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Also, I remember back in the day when my kids were teenages, I had called the chamber because they seemed to have activities for all ages EXCEPT 13-20 year olds. That year there was a dance for UP to 7th or 8th grade if I remember correct and then there was a dance for 21 and over. The person I spoke to said " oh my we did forget about that section of our population". " We will bring that up to the commitee next year". What a kick in the head for the teenages of Fergus Falls!
Posted by fergusflyer (anonymous) on October 11, 2008 at 5:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
hey look, it seems as if there is a couple of people that have some ideas to make summerfest a better time, sounds like you can really help. Not to worry it isn't much work, all you have to do is set up a couple or cones, baricades, and 2 or 3 garbage cans, nothing one person can't handle.
Posted by killdeer (anonymous) on October 11, 2008 at 7:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bring back the Scandinavian theme!
Posted by Norse (anonymous) on October 11, 2008 at 9:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I second the Scandanavian Theme motion. There is nothing wrong with a bunch of Scandanavians celebrating their heritage AND SHARING it with others who may not be Scandanavian. Whomever made that 'pc' decision to change the name should be tarred and feathered....er soaked in a bucket of Lye.
Posted by Sumwun (anonymous) on October 12, 2008 at 7:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
...Uhh...any other literate people laughing their a**es off at those last two comments right now or is it just me?
Posted by fergusflyer (anonymous) on October 12, 2008 at 8:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think we should skip, skip for mayor!!!! Get a clue skip, getting rid of teachers, Well I think we should start with your english teacher, or did you "Skip" that class.
Posted by Flashbang (anonymous) on October 12, 2008 at 9:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hey Norse; I agree with you on bringing back the Scandinavian Days name and theme. Why not? We have various fests here out on the east coast celebrating various national cultures.
I remember while in Fergus it was called Scandinavian Days then a downtown business group decided to change it to Ethnic Living Days. By trying to be politically correct they blew it and after a few years changed it to Summerfest.
Posted by Blitzen (anonymous) on October 12, 2008 at 10:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Our family really enjoys SUmmerfest, and it would be a shame to see it go by the wayside.
I, too, miss the Scandinavian theme, and I liked it better when it was on main street.
Posted by killdeer (anonymous) on October 12, 2008 at 12:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe we could have "Toast and Jelly" Days?
Posted by Sumwun (anonymous) on October 12, 2008 at 4:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
...someone explain to me how "Skip" is going to get "every drug addict mom moves to the dalton trailer park and saves the comunity enough to save SUMMERFEST!!!!"?....I'm sure the nice town of Dalton would have something to say about that.
Posted by doctipster (anonymous) on October 12, 2008 at 5:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
who needs the fergus falls parade. The Erhard parade last year knocked the socks off the fergus falls one. i mean they only have a population of around 100 and can put on one hell of a parade. Two hours greatly spent with good music fun for kids and everyone... JUST GO TO ERHARD... leave fergus falls to wilt away in the dust. I mean thats what the city council, school board, and county boards would love. I mean they are the ones driving this city into the pig manur....
and No dalton does not want skips drug using crackhead mothers who abandon their children in mid winter living in the city.. We already have enough in Dalton who do that and hang out at the hideout.. Leave us alone.
Posted by Flashbang (anonymous) on October 12, 2008 at 6:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Killdeer: "Toast and Jelly Days" LMAO! I had forgotten about that flop. I think that was to celebrate Garrison Kellor's afternoon in Fergus at Lundeen's, etc. Time flies when you get old. I wonder if I know you?
Posted by Ole_Potato (anonymous) on October 13, 2008 at 9:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Me and Lena have taken on a liking for those delightful circle potatos that come from mexico. What would be wrong with having a scandanavian themed event, with cultural diversity encouraged in the vendors and local business displays?
I don't hear the fine city of Alexandria shunning their heritage nor taking down their prominant statue of my namesake! http://www.alexandriamn.org/index.php/co...
Posted by notcominghome (anonymous) on October 13, 2008 at 11:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
scandanavian days!!!!!
Posted by Summerfest09 (anonymous) on October 13, 2008 at 11:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
While all of the comments about Summerfest are appreciated, they are only comments. What the committee needs is action. If you have the passion to make Summerfest better, please get involved. That is what we are asking for. We are looking for great ideas and people implement them. Please contact Steve Gundersen at 218-739-4452 to volunteer. Thank you!
Posted by doctipster (anonymous) on October 13, 2008 at 12:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think skip should head up the comittee
Posted by Ole_Potato (anonymous) on October 13, 2008 at 1:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
All those in favor of Starting their own Scandanavian Days.... or we could take over the current debacle and get it funded as Scandanavian Days!
Posted by robbie (anonymous) on October 14, 2008 at 12:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't understand the uglyness is these comments. This is a committee of 8 asking for help. Scandinanvan days-good idea go help these 30 somethings on what it even is! A dance for 13 to 18 year olds-some parent or parents with teenagers could really make a fun dance for their teens-great idea. Erhard yes it is so fun. They have 100 people to choose from to help we have 13,000! People in there 20's, 30's 40's, 50's, and 60's etc. all will have different ideas for what they see as needs. Many hands make light work. This festival is to promote FF and our great business's and what we have to offer. I bet this commitee would look at all ideas if a business came to them with an idea to promote themselves. Could the chamber members/business's set aside something in their 2009 budgets for these folks, how can you promote your business that day, build a float for the parade and invite your family and friends to the event all could help this event.
Posted by bobby (anonymous) on October 14, 2008 at 9:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
So long summer fest. Why do young people leave this progressive forward thinking community.This city can't seem to afford much at all.
Posted by Norse (anonymous) on October 14, 2008 at 10:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I would suggest charging for the parade entries, and the button idea sounds good. Ask people for a few bucks with a chance to win something larger back is easier to talk them into than asking for a flat out donation or volunteering if they don't know what they would do. Let's take it a step away from promoting your 'biznaz' and how about promoting a common theme that everyone can enjoy without Commercialization (as the central theme).
Posted by metasonics (anonymous) on October 15, 2008 at 8:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't see why we would need to cancel a parade or a community festival because of money.
I think people participated even when there wasn't any money involved.
I don't think we need to commercialize everything.
Jamie Cooper
Posted by fergusfallsmom (anonymous) on October 15, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Just curious? Does anyone know what year was the last year as Scandinavian Days? I just can't remember.
I love the event! And my kids are finally getting to the age where they can enjoy it more.
Call Steve! Help out! We can make it work... no matter what we call it. It is about our kids and making memories as a community and a family.
Post a comment
(Requires free registration.)