FINANCIAL CHALLENGES FORCE THE CHAMBER TO CANCEL THE FALL RIVER CELEBRATE AMERICA FESTIVAL IN 2010.

Fall River – The Board of Directors of the Fall River Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry voted on Friday, May 28, 2010 to cancel the Fall River Celebrates America Festival in 2010. The action was necessary due to challenging economic conditions that resulted in decreasing corporate sponsorships, a substantial increase in the costs and a reduction in volunteers necessary to produce the annual event.

FRCA squarely put Fall River, Massachusetts on a lot of maps and event calendars. Twenty four years ago, the Chamber, the City of Fall River along with numerous business and community organizations partnered to create a family focused waterfront festival as a way to showcase the area and provide a venue for the community to connect with one another.

In February, 2010 the Chamber began reviewing budgetary reports showing declining future revenue projections and sharp increases in expenditures. Steps were taken early on to mitigate some of the new expenses, but even with an increase to the ticket price, the costs to produce a meaningful festival remained significantly higher than what the Chamber’s operating budget can allow. Furthermore, the projected budget gap does not include impacts caused by bad weather or any other unanticipated costs and expenditures. Due to the above references the Board of Directors determined that the financial risks placed upon the Chamber organization were too great.

“It has been the Chamber’s goal to be able to provide extremely affordable summer family fun right here in Fall River. For that reason, we did not increase the ticket price last year even though our costs to produce the festival soared dramatically. This year was further impacted by declining sponsorships and additional expenses,” said Robert Mellion, CEO of the Chamber. “Our staff and membership put so much time and effort into producing this festival each and every year and we are all deeply disappointed that it is necessary to suspend FRCA. It is sincerely hoped that a community focused event can be produced via existing and new partners in 2011, which will mark the 100 year anniversary of the Fall River Area Chamber of Commerce,” stated Curtis Nelson Chair of the Chamber Board of Directors.