BIBLE HILL - The producer of the Dutch Mason Blues Festival is urging the Village of Bible Hill to help offset some of the festival's expenses.
David DeWolfe approached the village commission on Tuesday night seeking support in the form of finances, marketing or anything it may be able to provide.
"I would like the Village of Bible Hill to contribute ... one or two per cent of finances or essential services (police and ambulance)," for example, DeWolfe said.
"It's hard to come and ask ... it's self-supported and at risk every year to the tune of $500,000. It takes me all winter to raise $500,000 and I'd like to see more support from the community ... We are a small group of people struggling to (provide the festival) and I feel the community is in a better position to provide," said DeWolfe.
He also confirmed to the Truro Daily News that he receives less than four per cent sponsorship for the festival, which will take place Aug. 10 to 12 on the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition grounds.
Village commissioner Tom Burke told DeWolfe the commission will discuss the request.
"We have never financially sponsored events because it's the taxpayers' money and they have lists of (requests) too," said Burke. "We could look at it but there's no promises."
mchiasson@trurodaily.com
Fred, I agree with you on the position that corporations that exist soley for the purpose of amassing riches to benefit an individual or stockholders MUST be able to stand on their own. It is for that reason I oppose government handouts to the likes of NewPage, Bowater or the Irvings. That said, incorporation is also ised by MANY legitimate not-for profit or charitable groups to establish a legally-existant entity for the purpose of insurance, signing contracts for goods and services and engaging in activities where some protection of the board of directors, officers and members is desireable (some volunteer fire departments and rescue services would be an example). For charitable organizations, Canada Revenue makes such a status a requirement before granting the designation of "charitable" for tax purposes. I'd be interested to see if that is the case with the Blues Festival (i.e. incorporation for purposes of liability and insurance coverage, liquor licensing, etc.). Just my thoughts....