With cuts to one of its integral grants, the Magnificent River Rats Festival Society is asking municipalities for an increase in financial support for the 2017 event.
Society president Ida Edwards and volunteer Frank Ponto attended the Athabasca County regular council meeting on Nov. 24 as a delegation, to ask for $10,000 in financial support.
“The county has always, right from the very start, been very supportive of the festival for the last 20 years,” Ponto said. “Not only financially, but in kind with fencing, that type of thing.”
In their presentation to council, the society members said it costs about $150,000 to run the two-day festival. About 55 per cent of that money comes from community support, 25 per cent from grants, 11 per cent from ticket sales, and the rest from casinos and merchandise.
“We are requesting, on behalf of the Magnificent River Rats Festival Society, for $10,000 from the county,” Edwards said. “The reason we are coming with our hands out is the federal government cut back grants for Heritage Canada. Last year we got some Building Communities through Arts and Culture, $29,000. This year, we are only getting $12,000 from that organization.”
Ponto said the county usually provides $5,000 in cash donations, plus other in-kind contributions.
He added that the Tourism and Economic Development (TED) committee does assist with in-kind advertising.
Edwards said casino monies could only be used to fund advertising, sound equipment rentals and casino expenses for volunteers.
Ponto added the society did try to apply for a Canada 150 grant to go towards the stage as well but, because they are already receiving federal funds, they do not qualify.
Last year, Edwards said, the festival pulled in around 1,500 spectators. It also had at least 44 sponsors, 70 volunteers, and 14 acts with a total of 99 performers.
“With this $10,000, we want to make sure what we’re doing already stays intact and we can grow it more,” Edwards said.
Coun. Jack Dowhaluk said for that amount, the county usually asks for a financial statement, which Edwards said she could provide. Coun. Paul Ponich asked if the society would be asking the Town of Athabasca for more funding as well.
“Our presentation is on Dec. 6,” Edwards said.
Coun. Warren Griffin pointed out that, including in-kind donations, the county currently contributes about $9,000 to the festival. Coun. Christine Bilsky said the TED committee is also looking into some funding, which may be applicable to the festival.
“We are looking at, with Travel Alberta, doing a regional grant application which would possibly make some more money for that, too,” she said. “I think we do have to wait.”
Ponich made a motion to table the request until a later date, which council passed unanimously.
