Waterville approves $7,000 sponsorship for Roche des Booth festival

The Waterville City Council on Aug. 25 authorized a $7,000 sponsorship for the Waterville Area Chamber of Commerce’s Roche des Booth festival, approving the payment after a public presentation by the chamber and brief council discussion.

Michelle Smith, executive director of the Waterville Area Chamber of Commerce, told the council: "We're again hoping that the city will provide $7,000 like they did last year to help cover the rising costs of putting on such a large event for the community to enjoy." The festival is scheduled just over a month from the meeting date.

The funding request was the most urgent item Smith presented. She described changes for this year’s event: the children’s area will move from the Peddler’s Alley parking lot to Parker Square; the Toledo Metroparks will provide a rock-climbing wall; the main entertainment stage will move to North Third Street; and the traditional beer garden will not be held this year. Smith said the event will continue to include a parade, car show, artist area and vendors, and that proceeds support local volunteer groups including Interact Kids and the Anthony Wayne Hockey Association.

Council members voiced support for the chamber’s organization and volunteers before moving and seconding the sponsorship payment. The motion to authorize the $7,000 sponsorship passed with all council members present indicating approval.

The council asked the chamber to keep staff updated about festival plans and logistics. Smith confirmed she would do so.

Less-urgent details discussed during the citizen comment period included volunteer staffing limits for any potential Friday-night programming and clarification that the stage relocation was chosen to preserve vendor space and keep the children's area separate from adult-oriented activities.

The sponsorship approval was a formal vote by the council and will be reflected in the city’s accounts as part of its event support line item.