BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—In an address to the Bucyrus City Council on Tuesday evening, Adam Heinlen, President of the Bucyrus Bratwurst Festival Board, raised serious concerns about the city’s potential withdrawal of support for the popular festival. Heinlen highlighted the festival’s significant impact on the community and its financial woes, urging the council to reconsider its stance.
Historically, the city has provided support to the festival without charge for their services. While the board offered to pay overtime fees for street cleanup, the Reser administration declined the offer, emphasizing the festival’s positive contributions to the community.
Heinlen emphasized the festival’s importance, noting that it is the 4th most popular festival in the state and offers the highest-paying Queen Scholarships of any fair or festival. These scholarships are valuable for students pursuing education in both secondary and trade schools.
Of particular concern for non-profit organizations is the potential increase in fees for festival spaces. Currently offered at just $100.00, these spaces are essential for organizations like the school band boosters, who rely on the festival for crucial revenue. Heinlen revealed that the festival incurs a $4-6,000.00 loss by providing these spaces at a discounted rate.
While the festival does not benefit from bed tax sales, Heinlen warned that its cancellation due to lack of funds would result in significant revenue loss. The impact extends to local businesses, as hotel rates during the festival skyrocket, affecting visitors and vendors alike.
The Bratwurst Festival is a major fundraising opportunity for groups like the Bucyrus Band Boosters. Last year, scheduling conflicts with a football game led to a loss in revenue for the organization, impacting its ability to support activities like sending kids to camp and providing meals during games. They count the festival as one of their biggest fundraisers.
Additionally, churches and other organizations rely on the festival for fundraising through their booths, further highlighting the festival’s importance to the community.
As discussions continue, the future of the Bucyrus Bratwurst Festival hangs in the balance, with stakeholders hoping for a resolution that preserves this annual event.