Chamber responds to Harvest Festival decisions

SCOTTVILLE — On Sunday, MCP reported that the Scottville Harvest Festival would not have an ox roast or carnival this year. However, the story was written without explaination of why those events are not on this year’s schedule. The Ludington and Scottville Area Chamber of Commerce has issued the following release:

The Ludington and Scottville Area Chamber in conjunction with the City of Scottville, Scottville Main Street, and the Mason County Central Educational Foundation have been working together to finalize the Scottville Harvest Festival schedule of events.

“The Scottville Harvest Committee has not received enough funds to continue the ox roast this year.  The funds from one night of the entertainment tent that would normally offset the ox roast are being donated to the Mason County Central Educational Foundation. MCC Educational Foundation continues to take an active role in the community. Its volunteers will be manning the Friday night entertainment this year and have an exciting evening planned. Without the help of a major sponsor (or a group of co-sponsors) coming forward to help with the approximate expense of $1,600.00 along with volunteers, the ox roast event will not be able to be sustained.”

“We are excited about the new partnerships,” said Kathy Maclean, president and CEO of the Chamber. “Together we are bringing fresh ideas to this event to ensure it can continue for many years.”

Heather Landis, Main Street Manager, commented on one of the adjustments: “Last year the Main Street Business Committee surveyed the downtown business owners and the responses we received regarding street closures were that they negatively affected the businesses.  These concerns were brought to the Harvest Festival committee and it was decided to only close Main Street for one day.”

The Chamber states in its release: “We are pleased to offer some brand new family friendly activities.  One of these activities includes a complimentary outdoor movie at the Scottville Clown Band Shell at dusk on Thursday, Sept. 12 (sponsored by Mason County Press and WMOM).  Stay tuned as the actual movie selection will be announced soon.  Other additions include kids’ activities on Sept. 14 in conjunction with Great Start Parent Coalition and the Ludington Area Jaycees. Home Depot will be offering hands on crafts through their kids’ clinics. There will be train rides, Pixies Ponies and more family fun on Main Street. There will also be a Farmers Market and Crafts as well.  If you are interested in obtaining an application for the craft fair please contact Scottville Main Street at 231.757.9674.”

The Princess contest has been moved to Saturday at 12:30 p.m. and will be followed by the Grand Parade at its new time 2 p.m.  Entrance to both the princess contest and grand parade are free. Contact the Chamber for more information.

Later in the afternoon on Saturday, the Scottville Clown Band, along with other bands, will be  in the entertainment tent.

“We would like to thank all of the current sponsors and volunteers.  If you are an organization, individual or a family and are interested in sponsoring or volunteering please contact the Chamber office at 231-845-0324. A final schedule of events will be released in the future. We look forward to seeing you there.”