Data obtained by the Pass Herald shows there could be substantial public support for Thunder in the Valley/Rum Runner Days or a similar summer festival.
The data was collected in an eight-question survey distributed at the 2015 Lifestyle Show and was available at the municipal office until April 20. A total of 125 people completed the survey.
Sixty per cent of respondents said they would support council providing up to $50,000 to host a major summer event.
Respondents were also invited to leave comments. Thunder in the Valley was mentioned 21 times.
“I would like to see Thunder in the Valley return to Rum Runner Days as that generated business,” said one commenter.
However, some commenters felt the money would be better spent by investing in infrastructure to make the community more inviting to visitors such as more RV parking and public washrooms.
Others suggested moving away from Thunder in the Valley/Rum Runner Days and investing in existing summer festivals such as Heritage Days weekend or Bellecrest Days.
“We should create a new summer series of events to compliment Heritage Days weekend, Sinister 7, Bellecrest Days. Forget about the fireworks. We need to focus on our community, not some big booze fest!” said one commenter.
“We need community supported, family oriented events for our residents,” said another. “NO to Thunder in the Valley, too many drunks!”
At a meeting on May 5, council met to discuss the survey results and decided there was sufficient public support to try and organize some kind of summer festival next year. Without knowing the exact nature of the festival, council formed a 2016 Summer Event Planning Committee.
Councillor Doreen Glavin suggested inviting all of the communities’ non-profit groups to join the nondescriptly named group.
“We should just advertise that we’re having a meeting,” said Glavin. “Anyone interested in forming a committee [would be invited.]”
Councillor Shar Cartwright echoed the sentiment and said the committee should be made up of volunteers from as many stakeholders as possible.
“You have to have community buy in and I think the only way you’re going to get that is if you have a meeting and invite those groups,” said Cartwright.
Council passed a motion to hold the meeting in early June. A date has not been finalized.