By Mark Squibb/November 18, 2022
Frosty will be getting a boost of cash this season, as council has approved a one-time monetary gift for the annual winter festival.
Council unanimously approved a recommendation to provide $30,000 to assist with the planning of the 2023 Frosty Festival. The money is outside any other support which may be provided though a new memorandum of understanding (MOU), of which discussions are still ongoing.
The Frosty Festival has been held annually since 1983, with the exception of last year and 2020 when the events were cancelled due to COVID-19.
“Over the last couple of years, COVID has certainly played havoc on this particular event,” said Deputy Mayor Nicole Kieley, who called the festival something the city greatly needs. “It’s very hopeful to see the work and support from our colleagues here, but also from the volunteers who are stepping up to the plate once more following a very difficult time.”
She noted inflation has increased the costs of equipment and venue rentals, and that she strongly supports any item that ensures the city has a Frosty Festival.
“When we talk about things like what’s going to support mental health and the social determinants of health, celebrations and festivals are such an important part of that, that feeling of a sense of belonging,” said Kieley.
Mayor Dave Aker noted that despite the lack of a festival last year, the organization still incurred expenses. And with no festival program last year, there was no revenue collected to go towards the next festival.
“It’s one time funding, and we look forward to the festival resuming,” Aker said of this special contribution.
The previous MOU was approved in November 2019. Under it, the City paid an annual operating subsidy of $35,000 to the festival’s volunteer organizers, which was split into two equal installments.
The last installment of that MOU was paid out in March, 2022.
