One of the three main entities backing Summerfest has stepped
down this year, but has pledged to return next summer with an even
bigger and better show.
Meanwhile, Summerfest will go on this July as usual under the
organization of the Bradford Area Business Group and the Downtown
Bradford Business District Authority, according to Main Street
Manager Diane DeWalt.
The Bradford Area Small Business Association has backed out of
involvement with the event this year, according to new president
Bill Bottorf.
Bottorf, who recently took the helm of the BASBA after former
president Mike Smith had to step down due to health issues, said
Monday the association has been helping to organize and sponsor
Summerfest for the past two years.
He cited two main reasons for the BASBA’s decision to lay low
this year -ðZippo’s 75th anniversary celebration and the big act
they want to land for next year.
Bottorf said the association has a major event they want to
bring to Bradford, which will not only require more time and money
to secure, but he said the group didn’t want to detract from
Zippo’s celebration July 27 and 28.
“So with the utmost respect for Zippo, we’re going to step away
(from Summerfest) this year,” Bottorf said.
While he was hesitant to divulge much information about the big
show they are planning for the early summer of 2008, Bottorf did
say there would be two or three shows a day -ðshows which will
“really draw a crowd,” he said excitedly.
“If we can pull this off, it will bring people from all over,”
Bottorf said.
The BABG and DBBDA are still planning a Summerfest, however,
according to DeWalt, who said the pair are working with Zippo for
this year’s event.
The evening of July 26, there will be a Street Dreams car show
with live music by Freddy and The Jets, courtesy of Gary Hoy, as
well as food and craft vendors, she said, adding they are working
toward a fine arts show, too. On July 27, there will be food and
craft vendors downtown, as well as retail promotion (sidewalk
sales) downtown. That Friday will culminate, she said, with Zippo’s
Light the Night parade and fireworks. On July 28, there will be a
farmers market and motorcycle dice run.
“Candy Tingley from the Bradford Area Business Group has been
instrumental in working with Jen Eakin to pull craft vendors
together,” DeWalt added.
She explained all three groups -ðthe BASBA, BABG and DBBDA -ðall
worked together on last year’s Summerfest.
“It should come off like always,” DeWalt said of the annual
summer festival.
And as far as next year, “whoever wants to be involved is
welcome,” she said. “It works best when we’re all involved to make
it bigger and better.”
