Saved festivals blooming again Donations and funds helped several festivals to survive & operate

 By THEA CATIPON

Faced with the threat of cancellation of some of Vancouver’s most iconic festivals, government and local companies jumped into the breach to keep the festivals alive. Long-standing festivals, such as the Vancouver Folk Music Festival and Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival, faced possible delay or cancellation due to financial trouble.

“Our board had cancelled the festival and had put forward a motion to the membership to consider dissolving the society because the finances were that bad,” said Erin Mullan, president of the Vancouver Folk Music Festival.

According to Mullan, the music festival’s announcement prompted the provincial government to set up a $30 million fund for festivals and fairs. The music festival has received a $100,000 from that.

“[It] is a real game changer for us,” Mullan said.

The Vancouver Folk Music Festival, which serves as one of Vancouver’s iconic events was also significantly affected by the pandemic as were many other festivals. The organizers called for help from the public saying the summer event was on the brink of cancellation. Mullan said public donations have helped to ease the financial strain for festivals.

“We heard loud and clear from the public that people want the festival to survive,” Mullan said.

Aside from government and public support, local companies stepped up as sponsors to provide vital funding for local festivals.

In March, the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival announced Edge Construction as the new main sponsor. Yaletown Business Improvement Association and several car dealerships from Gain Group also pitched in with funding.

"We see this festival as a great way for the city to celebrate spring, to celebrate the beauty of Vancouver,” said Richard Whitehead, a client executive for business development with Edge Construction. “And we just want to add to that beauty, we want to add to that celebration.”

Linda Poole, the creative director and founder of the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival, said the local financial support provided was a testament to the value that the festival has to offer to the community.

“Having our big problem this year showed just how much people value us,” Poole said. “They expressed it and they put their money behind it.”

Sabina Magliocco, an UBC professor of anthropology who specializes in the study of ritual, festival and religion, said many residents are willing to provide the funds to keep festivals running despite high inflation rates and financial setbacks from COVID-19.

“It is one of the ways that communities tell the world who they are and what values are important to them,” Magliocco said. “And a second

THIS YEAR'S FESTIVALS

»Cherry Blossom

The Cherry Blossom Festival will run from April 1 to 23, 2023 to celebrate the 43,000 cherry trees & the Japanese cultural tradition of hanami.

»Folk Music

Vancouver will celebrate traditional & contemporary music with its Folk Music Festival from July 14 to 16, 2023, at Jericho Beach Park.