Brimfield Council pauses BrimFest in favor of Swamp Town Festival for 2025

The Brimfield Township Board of Trustees convened on March 20, 2025, for a public hearing and regular meeting, primarily focused on the future of the annual BrimFest event. The meeting began with updates from township officials, including a report on a recent rain barrel workshop that attracted nine participants and an announcement regarding the imminent demolition of two outbuildings at Maguire Park, which had been approved in a previous meeting.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the financial challenges facing BrimFest. The event's estimated costs for 2025 were projected to exceed $48,000, with fixed costs and variable costs for rides and entertainment posing a substantial burden. The board noted that the approved budget for BrimFest was only $30,000, leading to concerns about the feasibility of hosting the event in its traditional format.

Three options for BrimFest were presented, each with varying costs and implications for entertainment and activities. The first option included rides on both Friday and Saturday, totaling over $43,000, while the second option, which proposed rides only on Saturday, was estimated at approximately $33,000. Both options required additional funding through sponsorships, which had not yet been secured. The third option involved substituting some rides to reduce costs but still faced similar financial constraints.

The board expressed concerns about the potential disappointment of attendees if the event could not provide adequate entertainment, particularly for children and teenagers. The Brimfield Lions Club announced they would not organize the parade this year, further complicating the event's planning.

In light of these challenges, a proposal was made to pause BrimFest for 2025 and instead host a new event called the Swamp Town Festival, which would take place on September 13, 2025. This festival would focus on smaller community events throughout the year, including a series of summer festivals. The board discussed the importance of maintaining community traditions while adapting to current circumstances.

After extensive discussion, the board voted to proceed with the Swamp Town Festival in place of BrimFest for 2025, while also planning to enhance the Touch a Truck event and explore additional summer festival opportunities. The decision reflects a commitment to preserving community spirit while addressing financial realities.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for early planning for future events, including setting a date for BrimFest in 2026 to secure necessary sponsorships and vendor commitments. The board emphasized the importance of community engagement and the need to adapt to changing circumstances while maintaining the township's unique character.