Funtastic Makes Pitch For Fee Break

Written by Peter McIntyre  107.5 KISSFM  Wednesday, 04 April 2012 00:30 
  Rising costs have the Funtastic Sports Society seeking support from local government. Organizers will ask the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee to waive the facility fees for its summer event. Executive director Jim McEwan says it would amount to around $7,200. McEwan says their costs have gone up, especially for security. He tells KISS FM, the 300 team slo-pitch tournament and music festival on the Canada Day long weekend are an important part of the local economy. "Each year we bring in the 4,500 players and they spend in excess of 4.5 million dollars in this market. We've seen a lot of festivals go by the wayside just because the cost to run them is so high." He says other  events have had to shut down due to increasing costs. "Between Nakusp and now Komasket (music fests) the importance of putting on a first class event costs money, and I'd hate to see anything happen with Funtastic." McEwan says Funtastic is not in danger of folding but is asking for help, noting any government funds could be returned to groups through their community grant program. In a report to the committee, Regional Distrcit of North Okanagan staff don't support waiving the fees, but suggest Funtastic could apply for a grant. GVAC directors will discuss the request at their monthly meeting on Thursday.