Gander Day too commercial

Letter to the editor - Dear Editor:

August is just around the corner and Gander is getting ready for another successful Festival of Flight. I remember when I was a little girl, how much I enjoyed taking advantage of all of the activities and entertainment provided by the businesses, organizations and entertainers of Gander. As I ready myself for yet another Festival of Flight, I can't help but remember the good ol' days. I also can't help noticing the changes we have made over the years.

Gander Day, as I recall it, is supposed to be a community event that boosts the town's economy, helps support our non-profit organizations and, most importantly, gives back to our citizens. I don't know if many of you have noticed but, Gander Day has become a bit too commercial lately.

If you look around Cobb's Pond Park on Aug. 3, you will no longer see a cheerful, happy, family enjoying the festivities - rather, you will see whining, crying, children who anxiously await to get on a ride provided by Thomas Amusements. I'm really not sure why Thomas Amusements belongs at our community festival, but I'm sure that they are not a community business.

And what happened to all of the local businesses who provided us with booths in the past? It seems as though the town is making it harder and harder for the little guys to get their foot in. From what I hear, non-profit organizations and small businesses have to pay a minimum of $75 just to rent a booth.

If they wish to sell food or any other object they are required to pay X amount of dollars to be insured for up to $1,000,000. Insurance alone will take a big slice of their profits. It's alright for big businesses like Thomas Amusements who already have their own Insurance policies, but why would any non-profit organization or small business fork out so much money when they are not guaranteed to make a profit? A waste of time for the little guys.

It's so sad to see our local businesses and organizations, as well as our citizens, hurt by the decisions of a town who has lost sight of the true meaning of Gander Day. I am not a person who is looking to cause an argument, as I see it, because there is no problem with Thomas Amusements coming to Gander. But couldn't they pick a better day, other than our civic holiday?

I'm sure there are families here that cannot afford to let their two or three children ride Thomas Amusements all day. So rather than fight with the kids, they will go elsewhere for the day, even further hurting the festival's profits. Help support local businesses and charities. Please give us back what we have enjoyed in previous years.

Ashley Harris

Gander