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Friday's Internet Edition, November 21, 2008.
Record temps burn Galt Strawberry Festival attendance
Chamber hopes budget won’t get scorched
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Photo by Paige Lampson
Abel Vargas and Anthony Bal put the strawberry squeeze on Victoria Vargas at the Galt Strawberry Festival.
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By Rachael Ackerman
Herald Editor
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While we all cool down from the weekend heat wave, the effects of record temperatures in the valley on Friday and Saturday may have long lasting effects for the Galt District Chamber of Commerce.
With temperatures in the triple digits Friday and Saturday well into the evening, and hovering near the century mark at times on Sunday, attendance at the annual Galt Strawberry Festival was noticeably down as many who normally visit the festival hunkered down indoors, hiding from the unseasonably warm weather.
Dependent on the Strawberry Festival for the bulk of their annual operating revenue, chamber directors fear that low turn out over the weekend may affect chamber operations throughout the coming year.
“We don’t have enough members to pay the monthly expenses as it is,” said Chamber Board President Rose LaVine. “We need a decent fund raiser to keep the doors open.”
Saying while they know that those who did turn out had a great time, chamber directors said they wouldn’t have bottom lines on revenue until after a festival wrap meeting scheduled for later this week.
“In general it went really well except for the weather,” said LaVine. “The car show was awesome this year and our entertainment was excellent. We just had a lot of really great stuff that we are looking forward to bringing back to the festival next year.”
Event director LeeAnn McFaddin said considering the heat and the economy, festival turn out was as good as could be expected.
“Attendance was definitely down from last year. Everything is down everywhere,” said McFaddin. “We won’t know the totals for a little while yet, or how it will all work out through the year.”
Keeping a positive eye on the future, McFaddin said the 2008 festival was a successful testing ground for some new festival ideas.
“It’s just a shame the heat kept people at home because we had so many new attractions and great entertainment,” said McFaddin. “We had $5-6 million worth of vehicles there, the strawberry pizza was fantastic, there boats from Brother’s Boats, and RV’s from Meeks, all attractions we are looking to having return next year.”
Battling the heat in search of the perfect berry was a part of the adventure for the Johnson family of Stockton, who ventured out in spite of the stifling heat.
“We knew it was hot outside, but you can’t hide out inside all day,” said Margaret Johnson. “We came out to let the kids play in the Kid Zone, but boy it is hot. So, instead we’ve been searching out and finding all of the strawberry goodies we can find to eat.”
Appreciative of everyone who turned out, and of everyone who stood against the heat to volunteer their time to the festival, McFaddin and LaVine could joke, a little, about the heat of the day.
“I lost five pounds, I know I did,” said LaVine.
In the end, and in spite of festival revenue, LaVine said the Galt District Chamber of Commerce needs new members.
“Membership is open to anybody, individuals, businesses, organizations, they’re all welcome to come and check out the chamber,” said LaVine. “The economy is changing. We need to work together and build the chamber in Galt. There is something for virtually everyone in the community at the chamber.”
For information on chamber membership and programs ,call (209) 745-2529.
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