One local organization is looking at taking over the operation
of Stinkfest, according to officials involved with the event.
Meanwhile, members of the East Bradford Business Association on
Monday said they are looking to keep the organization alive, namely
finding a replacement for former president Mike Smith, who is
battling an illness and had to step down from the post.
An emergency meeting of the association has been slated for 5:30
p.m. Wednesday at the New Keystone restaurant on East Main Street.
Officials announced last week that Stinkfest would not return for a
sixth year and the EBBA was in danger of dissolving.
“We are still trying to keep the organization (EBBA) up and
running,” treasurer Fred Cloud said. “We are looking for another
person to take over as president.”
According to a press release, members of EBBA are encouraged to
attend the Wednesday meeting to give their input on the unfolding
events. Officials said an election of officers will be held if
there is an interest shown in keeping the organization up and
running.
Cloud said EBBA, in its current form, has been around since the
late 1970s, and is comprised of about 45 paid dues members, as of
this month.
“We’ve got people from across town that take part in our
organization,” Cloud said, adding the EBBA “is not looking to
fold.”
Cloud said officials would like somebody within the organization
to take over as president, if possible.
In addition to discussing the EBBA, Cloud said the meeting will
also serve to gauge the interest of those looking to take over the
operation of Stinkfest, the popular celebration of leeks that
attracts thousands to East Bradford each May.
“People love that festival and its grown each year,” Cloud said.
“If somebody is going to take it over, we need to get it going
rather quickly. If somebody is going to do it, they have to jump
right in and get it rolling.”
One such group looking to take over the reins could be Evergreen
Elm Inc.
“One of our long range goals is to get more active in the
community,” Evergreen Elm Chief Executive Officer Garry Pugrant
said, adding the agency already sponsors a volleyball tournament at
the Foote Rest Campground each year.
“We are interested in it and have the people that can do it,”
Pugrant said, adding the agency’s clients could also become
involved in helping to set up the event.
Pugrant said before any official deal could be reached, the
Evergreen Elm board of directors would need to approve it. The
board’s next meeting is slated for Jan. 22; the Stinkfest issue
will likely appear on the agenda for the meeting.
Officials said other organizations and individuals have also
expressed an interest in Stinkfest after news of its apparent
demise surfaced.
About $20,000 has been raised for donations over the past few
years from Stinkfest, officials said last week.
Stinkfest has grown each year the event’s been held, with an
estimated more than 6,000 people attending last year. The event,
centered from near the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc., to the
intersection of East Main Street and Kendall Avenue, features food,
fun and entertainment, including vendors selling leek cuisine, a
leek dip contest, rides and activities for children, a Lil’ Stinker
contest, and for the first time last year, a wedding.
