I’m heartbroken to have to share this news. I know the Boys and Girls Country work so hard throughout the year to make this event happen as it’s one of the biggest fundraising events they have to help care for their 88 boys and girls. Below is an email I received with more information. When I hear the news I’ll be sure to let you know!
After Quintes Stark, our Director of Operations, walked the grounds this morning after the downpour of rain last night, and vehicle-tested the possibility of parking 2000-3000 cars in an already soggy, muddy field that won’t be dry for a week….and with the likelihood that rain may continue as it has today….we are canceling the Spring Festival on-site event — for only the second time in almost two decades.
We had to make the decision today. Aztec Tents & Events was packed and ready to send their crew out here in the morning to set up all of our booths and tents. We felt relatively comfortable that we could get most of the event set up on mostly dry land, but we have no place that you and the friends you have recruited to volunteer with you could safely park.
We considered re-scheduling, but with the hundreds of volunteers and logistics involved, we knew that was not feasible.
We considered shuttling our guests from a paved parking lot further down on Roberts Road, but know that getting 3000 people back and forth to our festival would be a logistics nightmare.
But we also know that we desperately need the funds that would have been raised on Saturday.
So, what are we doing?
v We are canceling all the things that will cost money to save on expenses
v We are planning a Silent and Live Auction on line and through mail
v We will design other creative ways to communicate with our friends and donors to let them know how they can help.
I am so sorry that we cannot control the weather — or the land that floods around us. Other than that, we’re on it! Stay with us and stay tuned!
I hope to see you there at both of them!