Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association and the Children's Museum of Art and Science representatives addressed the council Thursday, asking for financial support to fund marketing for the fourth annual festival.
Proceeds from the September event will go toward building a discovery center at Anderson March State Historic Park and support educational experiences for local schoolchildren including field trips, day camps and outdoor explore programs, according to a staff report from City Clerk Melissa Swanson.
When the council accepted its budget last fall, members discussed how they could spend a council contingency budget of $5,000. That same fund would be the source of the festival funding.
During the October discussion on the city's budget, the contingency fund was a source of serious disagreement between council members. Council member Joyce Overton had wanted the funding to be used for council training, and had suggested at that time that the city might not be able to make a donation to the festival this year.
City Administrator Dale Neiman told the council Thursday, “It's a political decision and it's just up to you to decide what you want to do.”
Henry Bornstein from the interpretive association and Carolynn Jarrett, president of the museum group, addressed the council to request the money.
Bornstein, a new county resident, said he first experienced Lake County by visiting the festival, which he said epitomizes all that he likes about the south county, particularly the willingness of residents to work together.
The festival's marketing effort will continue to emphasize bringing in visitors to the county, said Bornstein. The promoters found that last year 32 percent of those who attended came from out of Lake County.
He said the county needs events like the festival to get through tough economic times.
Jarrett said the festival is a fun-filled event with good music and good food, and also offers local nonprofits – the Boy Scouts, Explorers program, Kiwanis and Carle High School students – the opportunity to make some income.
“It's a jewel of an experience for our community,” said Jarrett.
Councilman Roy Simons asked if they had approached the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce for assistance; Bornstein said they had, although they may not receive financial assistance but instead get promotional help and special offers from local merchants.
Simons noted that the city just gave the chamber $20,000 to help the community.
Overton said it's a great event but, like Simons, she felt the chamber needed to help the festival.
She was concerned that, considering the city's tough financial situation, it was too early in the year for the city to commit to giving the festival the money.
Vice Mayor Judy Thein supported giving the festival the $2,000 as a way of giving back to the community.
Overton reiterated that she supported the festival, but added that the $2,000 was almost half of the council's entire contingency budget, and she felt it was more appropriately a function of the chamber to help.
“I am not for giving any money right at this point,” she said, acknowledging that she may be willing to do so later because the festival benefits local children.
Overton felt the council had some time before they needed to make the decision, but Bornstein said they needed to have enough lead time for marketing.
Thein added that the money already had been budgeted. “This is what we have the money for.”
Councilman Curt Giambruno asked how much the council received last year. Jarrett said it was $2,000, with $1,000 the year before that.
The money given to the chamber helps it function, Giambruno said. The group also raises a lot of money for the city's July 4 fireworks. Even though the city is strapped financially, Giambruno said he wanted to give the festival $2,000.
“I support this, I think it's a fantastic thing, but I know we're really strapped this year,” said Mayor Chuck Leonard.
Leonard said he was more inclined to offer the festival $1,000 this year.
Simons moved Leonard's suggestions of $1,000, which was seconded. Thein asked if the amount could be increased to $1,500, but Simons wouldn't amend the motion, and there was some disagreement over whether the motion could be amended or not.
The motion passed 4-1, with Thein voting no.
Jarrett, acknowledging difficult financial times, told the council their support is appreciated.
E-mail Elizabeth Larson at
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