The annual Medford-Vincentown Rotary Halloween parade is being threatened by shortage of support due to the township’s financial hardship.
“The problems are due to lack of funds from the township. They have had to cut back for everything. In fact, they’re doing it with every organization there is,” said Bob Wardle, Rotary Club president.
According to Wardle, the Rotary is in need of approximately $32,000 in funding for cleanup, police protection and other services, a different number than what the township is claiming the Rotary would need.
Of the cost, $14,000 would be charged by the township for police protection, according to Wardle.
The remainder of the cost will be utilized for various charges of the marching bands, private bands and the cost of the awards given out at the end of the parade, among other costs.
“Historically, the cost of all these events has been shouldered by the municipality,” said Pace. “The money comes from taxes and goes to EMS, fire and police. It’s not for a fun night out.”
The township has been dealing with financial hardship. The debt the township has incurred is contributing to the lack of funding from the township for the event.
“The bulk of that was police protection and road closures,” said Pace.
“Getting police is a major problem,” Wardle said. “It’s going to cost $22,000, which is the Medford Police and augmentation, including the Evesham Police which in the past have been a huge help.”
The parade has historically been an event that runs through Main Street, and, according to Pace, that is where a majority of the finances come from.
“A bulk of the event is closing Main Street. If we’re going to have events like this, we need to think of different locations. We have plenty of park services. Freedom Park is huge and the way its set up is perfect for a parade,” Pace said.
The Rotary is currently looking into creative solutions to help fund the parade.
“We’ve already started contacting corporations and individuals for funds to raise money for police and cleanup,” Wardle said.
Donations may not be enough for the club to fund the annual parade. The Rotary will be asking for the help of volunteers on the day of the event.
“We’re trying to contact some of the local folk to see if we can get them to volunteer the time for cleanup. It’s a major problem trying to get someone in to do that. It may be done on Sunday instead of Saturday,” Wardle said. He did not disclose the amount raised thus far.
“It is a longtime event for Medford, one that I have been in when I was much younger and spectated for much of my life. Unfortunately the township is struggling, as are many in this current economic climate, and at this time the township cannot afford to subsidize and/or absorb the cost it was once able to for these events,” said Chris Schultz township manager.
With the state of finances, Pace is encouraging organizations to fund their events.
“We live in a different day and age. There’s no more disposable income for these kinds of events,” said Pace.
“I don’t want to see the parade go away,” Pace said. “It’s a spectacular event, and I’d like to see more of a day of festivities than just a parade and close Main Street so people of town have something to do.”
There are no plans to shut down the event, and it is planned to go on as scheduled.
“The Halloween parade will continue, but it will be a little different. Which isn’t a bad thing,” said Pace.
