Jul 12, 2009 10:54 pm US/Central
'Save Mayfest' Needed Saving From The Heat
Selena Hernandez
FORT WORTH (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
Organizers of the annual Fort Worth spring tradition, Mayfest, are faced with a daunting dilemma; no money, no Mayfest. This year's event was cancelled three hours before it began, as the H1N1 scare swept across North Texas.
Sunday, organizers were out at LaGrave Field in Fort Worth, in an effort to recoup lost costs, despite the unbearable heat.
"It is 103 degrees, so I can understand why so few people are here, I guess. But the music's hot and the drinks are cool," Mayfest supporter Glenn Butler said.
Butler was among a handful of event goers who braved the heat to take-in some sizzling sounds on the stage. Music, booths and food took center field, in hopes of scoring some much needed cash to keep Mayfest going.
"Mayfest 2010 will not happen if we do not raise some money," event spokesperson Darcy Harrell said.
This year's unforeseen and unexpected cancellation cost the organization half a million dollars; money the organization desperately needs. Sunday's challenge, however, wasn't the threat of flu; rather the heat.
"I think it's always an affect at Mayfest, it's the weather! Whether it's a hail storm, or the oppressive heat, we always seem to have to deal with it. But we're going to roll with the punches," Harrell said.
So those in attendance tried to keep their cool anyway they could, all hoping their sweat equity will pay off in saving their festival.
"It's important to save Mayfest!"
"Mayfest is just a tradition, it's a legacy for Fort Worth," Butler said.
Mayfest is not just a festival; rather it's also a fundraiser. In its 37 year history, the event has raised 5.8 million dollars for the city of Fort Worth. The organization says that money helped partially fund the Trinity River Project.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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