National Cherry Festival in Financial Bind with Traverse City

Posted on 24 August 2007 under Food Festivals, Food In The News, Michigan Cuisine

The Traverse City Record-Eagle reported yesterday that, if the city were to demand total payment of unpaid bills from the 2006 and 2007 events, the National Cherry Festival may be no more:

Festival Executive Director Tom Menzel soon will sit down with city officials to figure out how the city can partner with the financially troubled event. He wants to pay at least some of the estimated $86,897 owed to Traverse City, but if the city immediately forces total payment it could finish the festival, Menzel said … The city bills for services such as police and fire, public works and lost revenue during the eight-day event. Talks with the city will center on those contract elements and use of the Open Space park … “The future of the National Cherry Festival, going forward, probably hinges on these discussions,” Menzel said.

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