Things are getting jazzed up for the folk of Harrisburg as the town’s Jazz and Multi-Cultural Festival comes on board. And what better time to do it than the 4th July weekend? There will be tons of food stands, different types of entertainment and more. Just go along to Front Street and start celebrating this true style festival.
Although is it? It seems that in comparison to years gone by, this year’s festival isn’t exactly the noise-maker for which it has been traditionally known. Indeed, one just needs to take a look at which vendors are present to see just how low key this year’s event is going to be. In fact, around 50 percent of those vendors that were at the event last year, just didn’t show up this year. According to a Fox news article, this was due to the additional fees they were “being charged to set up shop.” According to game vendor Donna Goodling, this additional fees are making people “think twice,” about setting up at the festival.
Of course, the ones who end up suffering are the Harrisburg public who look forward to this event. As Harrisburg resident Valerie Waller laments, “I used to buy a chicken on a stick and it was 4 dollars and now it’s 6 dollars.” For sure the bargains that used to be available and are now no longer in such big supply, makes it tougher for everyone. But if the fees are increasing for the vendors, of course they too have to put up their prices which renders it a lose-lose situation for everyone.
In addition, since the festival is now only two days (as opposed to three), the vendors really feel like they’re getting shot in the foot since they are being charged extra, and getting less. For additional info on the festival, visit: www.harrisburgevents.com/Events/Jass_Fest.htm.
