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Letter to the editor

Many city shows go on with tighter budgets

But some organizations say they may not be able to sustain the leaner events.

By CRISTINA SILVA, Times Staff Writer
Published December 9, 2007

ST. PETERSBURG - Santa was a goner.

So was New Year's.

And you could forget about any of the other fun stuff.

These were the grumbles that were heard across St. Petersburg when city officials slashed $222,000 in funding to local events in September to comply with state-mandated budget cuts.

But despite the cutbacks, nonprofit organizations behind some of the city's most popular annual events say happenings such as the Santa Parade, First Night and Mainsail Arts Festival will go on, albeit on a slightly smaller scale.

The St. Petersburg Lions Club was able to host the Santa Parade earlier this month despite a $19,000 loss in city funding. At the last minute, Washington Mutual kicked in a $12,000 donation, said Daniel Beauchesne, treasurer for the Lions Club.

"We thought we would have to back out of doing it because the cost was going to be too much for us," he said. "They really helped us out."

Other event organizers are sending out save the date notices, even as they scramble to line up donors to ensure their event will go on.

Mainsail is looking for sponsors to compensate for its $11,000 loss in city funding. The Festival of States also needs donations.

For the shows to go on, some event organizers have scaled back on their plans in order to keep their budgets out of the red.

The Lions Club reduced advertising and hired fewer performers. Last year, the club spent about $30,000 on the Santa Parade. This year, the event cost less than $25,000, Beauchesne said.

Even so, the parade drew nearly 20,000 spectators, its biggest crowd in at least five years, Beauchesne said.

Regulars at First Night might also notice a few changes to the annual New Year's celebration.

Unlike in years past, a 9 p.m. fireworks show has been canceled, Central Avenue will not be open to pedestrians, free Looper Trolley rides will not be available, and discounted admission buttons will no longer be sold to those who buy their tickets before the event date.

"By making some select cuts that we didn't think would make a big difference in the event we were able to press on," said Pat Mason, executive director of First Night.

All these changes should cover the event's $20,000 loss in city funding, but organizers still worry they might end up in debt if the $120,000 event doesn't go well.

"If it rains or we don't sell enough buttons we might be in trouble," Mason said.

But even as organizers strive to carry on with less funding, they say they aren't so sure they will be as successful in the future if the city doesn't restore its financial support.

"Because we are such a small nonprofit organization, it is always hand to mouth; it is always, 'Wow, I wonder if we are going to be able to do this next year,' " Mason said.

The Lions Club spent $12,000 of its own money on the Santa Parade this year. That's funding that could have been used to help needy families in the community, Beauchesne said.

"We can't keep this up," he said. "The job that we do is difficult as it is. We organize the parade. Now the city is asking us to do fundraising. I don't know if my club has the manpower to do fundraising."

Cristina Silva can be reached at 727 893-8846 or csilva@sptimes.com.

[Last modified December 8, 2007, 23:28:17]