Magnolia Summerfest may be coming to and end. The annual family festival, which takes place August 1st and 2nd this year, may be the community?s last. Summerfest, which is organized by the Magnolia Chamber of Commerce and has been a part of the fabric of this community for over 30 years, is now facing a difficult financial hardship.
?We?re short just over $10,000,? said Doug Kaimakis, a volunteer on the organizing committee, ?and we don?t have the resources to continue this level of subsidy going forward. If we don?t break even on this, it?ll be hard to justify doing it next year.?
The chamber raises funds through various events, like the recent ?Vino in the Village? wine walk. Proceeds are shared with a number of chamber efforts, like Halloween Trick or Treat, Winterfest and Summerfest. ?Summerfest is our biggest investment of time and energy, and something the community, especially the kids, seem to love.?
?We?ve always relied on the generosity of corporate sponsors, local businesses and involved individuals to make up the difference between hard costs and the fees we charge vendors. This year, we?re hoping the general community can help out.?
?We?ll have some donation stations at the event, but we also encourage anyone who can to send in a donation now. You can also stop by a number of merchants to make a direct donation, including Magnolia Mailbox, Umpqua Bank, Peoples Bank, Current & Furbish, Serendipity Caf? and Magnolia Garden Center.?
?Whether it?s $10 or $100, your combined donations could really make the difference.?
Donations can be sent to: Magnolia Summerfest, 3213 W. Wheeler St Box 42, Seattle 98199, or click here to donate.