Ridgely’s Winterfest a go

RIDGELY – Even though it has been “more difficult” to raise the money needed to support the Town of Ridgely’s annual Winterfest festivities, Ridgely’s Clerk-Treasuruer Stephanie Berkey said she wants the public to be aware that this year’s Winterfest is not cancelled.

After a bleak update on the Winterfest financials at the September Town Commissioner’s meeting, Berkey told the Commissioners that the donations and sponsorships the Town had received so far were not on par with previous years. Commission President Brad Sears and Commissioners John Hurley and Chad Leister advised Berkey to “keep on trucking” with planning the event and trying to secure more donations.

It is now mid-October, and while this is “definitely the hardest year we have had for fundraising,” Berkey said that, “things are looking brighter.”

“As of today, we have raised $35,871 and have pledges for more sponsorships,” Berkey noted. The total goal for Winterfest’s budget is $50,000.

“We have seen other large festivals like the Easton Beer Fest and the RVFD golf tournament cancel their events because of fundraising issues. Fundraising is always difficult, but this year seems more difficult because of the economy,” said Berkey, “The local businesses on the Eastern Shore do a great job supporting the local community events and organizations, but it must be tough on their budgets being asked over and over again for donations. They can only do so much. The Eastern Shore community owes a lot to these businesses.”

At the September meeting, Berkey said “Worst case scenario, I have…general fund money that would be used if we went ahead with it and no more donations came in as of today.” With the money they have received at this point, $14,129 would need to be taken out of the general fund –  again, only if no other donations came in. But the Town does have an upcoming Paint Night on December 5 to raise necessary last-minute funds and Berkey said anyone interested in providing financial support can contact the town office.