Stephens City to manage Newtown Heritage Festival; council to revisit date and consider subsidy

Rick Kriebel of the Newtown History Center outlined the festival’s history and said the museum’s tours include substantial African American history and community input.

Mayor Diaz and councilmembers discussed whether the festival should be moved from Memorial Day weekend to an autumn date and whether the town should assume primary responsibility. Councilman P. Fravel moved to authorize Town staff to assume a managerial role over the Newtown Heritage Festival with the possible hiring of an event coordinator; Councilwoman Smith seconded the motion and the council approved it unanimously.

Council members expressed competing views about changing the festival date. Vice‑Mayor Fravel warned that moving the festival to October could conflict with other events and risk losing momentum; Councilwoman Smith and Councilwoman Stevens said attendance could improve if moved and suggested late September as an alternative. Kriebel warned food vendors often book their entire season and might not be available if the date changes. Council reached consensus to revisit a possible date change at a later meeting rather than decide immediately.

Town Attorney Dave Griffin said historically the festival has been roughly break‑even. Town Manager Mike Majher reported this year’s cost at $15,000 (range $11,000–$18,000) and about $7,500 in donations; Councilwoman Swygert‑Smith moved that staff propose a budget adjustment to subsidize the festival, and the motion carried unanimously.

Council discussed possible location changes — including using Newtown History Center property or the school lot after renovations — and agreed the town will serve as a central point of contact and will delegate tasks to volunteers. They did not set a new festival date at the meeting.