This year may be the last hurrah for the annual Rock the Docks event in Springfield Township, organizers fear.
The festival takes place Thursday through Sunday, but future Rock the Docks are in jeopardy, said Jerry and Cindy Michael, two members of the Springfield/Lakemore Festival Committee, which organizes the event.
"The expenses are what is killing us," Cindy Michael said in a phone interview Monday.
The Michaels said costs for everything at the Springfield Lake event — including insurance, security and shuttles —have risen dramatically, with the security and parking more than doubling since last year.
"Last year we had two fundraisers to help make up our deficit," Cindy Michael said. "This year, with everything becoming so much more, we're not even sure the two fundraisers will keep us going."
Call for volunteers for Rock the Docks
On Saturday, the organizing committee posted an alert on its Facebook page explaining its situation. In addition to increased expenses, volunteers for the event, held since 2007, were down.
"Now we struggle to get enough volunteers to get through the weekend," the post said.
Cindy Michael said the committee had some positive reactions after the post that explained challenges with the event.
"We have had a few people reach out to us and offer to volunteer," she said.
Taco-eating contest, princess party, fireworks, rides, music
Jerry Michael said despite rising costs and dwindling volunteer hours, Rock the Docks has remained popular.
"The attendance is still up there," he said. "…We estimate we get about 20,000 people over the weekend."
The festival runs from 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Shuttles are available from parking locations to the event.
On Friday, a Princess Party is scheduled at the fire station at 5:30 p.m. Music from Hudson Run takes place at 7 p.m. at the Springfield Township gazebo.
Saturday includes a pancake breakfast at 8 a.m., model airplanes from the Corsair Model Aircraft Club from 8 a.m. to noon, a cake walk at noon, putt-putt golf and other events before fireworks about 9:45 p.m.
A taco-eating contest sponsored by Uncle Tito's takes place at 1 p.m. Saturday.
'We will have to make a decision' on future of Rock the Docks
Cindy Michael said the committee tries to organize a family-friendly event that appeals to all ages.
"We try to jam-pack the weekend full of free things for the kids to do," she said.
Still, she said, it's going to be a challenge to continue the event.
"Once we have all of the bills paid and …w e know where we stand financially after this year, then we will have to make a decision," she said.
Jerry Michael said no matter what the future holds for the festival, this year's version will be worth attending.
"It will still be lots of fun," he said. "The food is great. It is a really good thing to come to."
For a schedule of events, go to https://shorturl.at/MBQmG and scan the QR code.
Leave a message for Alan Ashworth at 330-996-3859 or email him ataashworth@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @newsalanbeaconj or Facebook at www.facebook.com/alan.newsman.
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