Rain during a key Saturday kept the 4th annual Summerfest from reaching its 28,500 attendance goal.
However, the number of visitors increased on the other three days.
It did draw 17,978 visitors over the four-day July festival, a decrease from 21,536 in 2013.
Organizers hoped for 20,000 on a Saturday of day- and-evening entertainment but drew 6,131 to party in the rain.
In its final report to town council Monday, Summerfest committee members Bea Clark and John Wink said the festival “is now integral to the activities that enrich our community.”
While it has expanded “the emphasis remains on free family fun and activities that appeal to all ages, taking place within a car-free setting in downtown Fonthill and Peace Park,” they said.
This year it introduced: a free marketing workshop for Pelham businesses; Friday Country Western Night; bike valet service for cyclist for all four days; reuseable bar for under the arches; and additional Sunday activities for children and cyclists.
Financially, the festival lost $2,440 but Clark said that included the cost of re-usable items such as signs, bar and supplies.It generated $100,001 in revenue from vendor fees, sales, sponsorships, and a town grant.
Clark said the economic impact of the festival was $991,777 in spending in the town, based on an Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Culture computerized program.
In attendance, the festival drew 55% from Pelham, 21% from Welland, Niagara Falls 3%, St. Catharines 4%, rest of region 7% and other 13%.
Clark said it includes former Pelham residents coming home for the festival.
In an online survey, completed by 44 visitors, 88% said they will come back.
Looking ahead, Wink outlined 10 recommendations for next year.
They include: holding the Supper Market on Thursday evening; providing more shade in Peace Park, possibly cooling tents; developing the Art@Church gallery; Art in the Park will not continue next year opening options for Sunday such as use of bandshell; better sound system for teen movie night; develop more activities for teens; invite town staff to continue as volunteers at bar on Friday; considering a rain poncho giveaway for poor weather; more activities for Sunday mornings; and an increase hydro capacity on east side of Pelham Street.
Ward 2 Coun. Gary Accursi, who was also chair of the Summerfest committee, said the committee is pleased way the festival has grown from a one-day event to contributing to the economic and social health of the community.
Committee includes Clark, Wink, Accursi, Kathleen Goodman, Todd Barber, Vickie vanRavenswaay, and Sally Jaeger.
