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Commission approves $3,500 sponsorship for HarmonyFest after organizer appeal
Summary
The Junction City Commission voted to provide $3,500 to HarmonyFest after organizer Martine Sherry described fundraising challenges, expected out-of-town performers and attendance of roughly 900–1,000 across two days; Sherry had requested $15,000 in total for the event.
Martine Sherry told the Junction City Commission she needed a prompt decision on whether the city would sponsor HarmonyFest 2026, saying organizers missed last year’s budget window and that some performers require deposits before she leaves town. Sherry said she had requested $15,000 to stage the event and estimated attendance last year at about 900 people across two days and more than 1,000 counting a Friday military potluck.
Commissioners asked about prior sponsorship levels and fundraising. Sherry said she had raised limited funds so far, that the Junction City Toastmasters had provided some support, and that she was holding fundraising sales and food events to cover deposits and other costs. She also said she had been following up with the Convention & Visitors Bureau but had not yet received a decision from that agency.
A commissioner moved to provide $3,500—the same amount the city provided last year. The motion was seconded, put to a voice vote and approved. The commission did not provide a full roll-call tally in the transcript excerpt; the chair announced that the motion carried.
The decision funds the event at the same level as last year rather than the $15,000 Sherry said she requested. Sherry thanked the commission as commissioners moved on to other business.
