Festival directors fear state funding cuts but aren't new to them

Feb 17, 2017 789

BY: Renata Di Gregorio

Fairs and festivals across our state could take a big hit if lawmakers cut over $4 million in state funding. That's on the table right now, but what's also there is the governor's goal to support fairs and festivals by doubling the tourism budget. The directors of some local festivals say they would have to downsize a lot if they lose their largest funding source and their festivals could possibly never be the same. But funding cuts aren't something new to them and they still have some cards to play.

"We have to feed off of local and statewide sponsorships," said Debra Hupp, President of the West Virginia Strawberry Festival. Stayin' alive: That's the key. Hupp is spending her day going door to door because the state funding that could be cut... "We use that money big time." But Hupp is no stranger to funding cuts. There have been more and more over the years. The Strawberry Festival gets most of its money now from sponsors; however, the state funding is a good chunk of what they use.

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SOURCE: http://www.wdtv.com

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