By DANIELLE GALVIN
LACK of funds and sponsorship has forced the Yakkerboo committee to make some tough calls in the lead-up to the April festival.
For the first time in the festival’s 37-year history, children’s rides may come at a cost if the committee doesn’t secure enough funding in time for the festival later this month.
Committee president Michael Porter said they were “desperate” for someone to come on board and sponsor the festival.
“Whether its $50, $100 or $1000, we need businesses to help pay for the rides so that the committee can continue to bring a great festival to Cardinia,” he said.
At the committee meeting next Monday, the decision will be made about whether to have 10 minutes of fireworks or have free dodgem cars in Bourke Park.
The committee reached out to the wider community through the Yakkerboo Facebook page on Tuesday night and residents showed their support for the festival and assured the committee that paying $2 for a ride on the dodgem cars wasn’t an issue.
But Mr Porter said it was increasingly difficult to secure funding and it was unfortunate that there hadn’t been a strong response from the business community.
“We can’t just have one main ride in Bourke Park, or else there will be huge queues,” he said.
“We are up against it this year – but every little bit helps.
“Last year we had buckets for people to donate money on the day and we were very grateful for the support.”
Mr Porter said it was important for the committee to ensure the festival was free or that it was a cheap, fun family day out.
He encouraged businesses, sporting clubs and families to support the festival on 20 and 21 April.
Committee member and Cardinia Shire councillor Graeme Moore said it would be a shame if people had to pay for rides.
“The shire has been very generous in supporting the festival,” he said.
“But unfortunately sometimes it gets a bit beyond that and we have to source local funding.”
Cr Moore said he was very passionate about the festival and it was vital that it was kept alive.
“It’s always a great family festival,” he said.
Anyone interested in supporting the festival or being involved in the cavalcade should visit the website www.yakkerboo.org.au or the Facebook page.
