From:
To: City Council
Cc: Myriah Volk
Subject: Apple Blossom Festival Funds
Date: Tuesday, March 5, 2024 5:25:30 PM
Dear Mayor Gardner and Council Members,
I was recently disappointed to hear that the City of Sebastopol will not be sponsoring the Apple Blossom Festival this year. While I realize that this is due to lack of funds in many areas, as we are all struggling these days, and that the money used to come from the now-on-hold Community Grants program from the City’s budget, the Sebastopol Chamber is no longer receiving the Annual $12,000 for the Apple Blossom Festival. This is a huge hit upon the Chamber which has been growing over the last couple of years. Membership is increasing, as is our small-town visibility. The Chamber has been actively working towards growth and the promotion of our beloved Sebastopol. Which is what this festival is all about.
I am hoping that funds can be found to allow this amazing small town local event to continue. This is not just some small art festival. Bear in mind we all have many friends who come to Sebastopol from all over to participate, and the local businesses benefit greatly from this two day event. The hotel is booked, restaurants and shops make good money while we all celebrate our town... I see participation every year, from all sorts of people, even from teenagers, and that is no small thing!
I have been participating in the parade and the festival for many years now. I ran the Children’s Area for over 15 years and still sponsor and participate in making this what has been voted “The Best Festival to Take Your Kids” in the Bohemian’s Best of the North Bay for several years now. The Apple Blossom Festival is the Chamber of Commerce’s only annual fundraiser and the Chamber relies upon the monies made from the Apple Blossom Festival to continue to pay for the event itself as well as to continue to promote and support our local economy. Again, this is a very hard hit.
And also again, I urge you to find some source of funds to help us continue this good work of Art, Music, Culture, and Agriculture. I am willing to help you make this happen, as are many others. I do hope you will stop by the Children’s Area this year, our 78th year; “Blossoms in Wonderland!” Please join me, as well as The Sonoma County Herb Association, The Mad Hatter, The Queen of Hearts, and Alice herself, for a child friendly tea party. Come pet a friendly Goose, The staff of Toyworks will again be creating Glitter Tattoos, while young people learn about our town, the Gravenstein Apple, Grapes and Cheese, and more, all in a friendly, hands-on and FREE, safe place to play.
Thank you for your time and all that you do,
Mitcho Thompson
Mitcho Is alive and well and living in exile at the Shamanastary See what he has been up to;
www.TheShamanastary.com