CORNWALL Ontario – The City of Cornwall’s signature event has been grounded for 2015. There will be no 21st Lift Off this year.
Consistent to their unprofessional nature Lift Off organizers sent out a press invite and didn’t show up giving selected media snippets of info.
The Standard Freeholder got a hold of Terry Muir, the current Prez who complained about there simply not being enough cash and not being able to attract corporate welfare sponsorship.
They had asked the city for $35K, but the City, as only the mean spirited of this council could do only agreed to send them $12,242, which is better than the slashing to zero that they did the the Public Art Galleries funding. It’s been asked if their monies will be transferred over to TAG Cornwall?
The usual excuse will be that it’s a “Volunteer board” like the excuses given by Winterfest which also was cancelled this year, but it comes down to how you run your ship.
Both groups had some of the same people at the helm and the closed shop pettiness and lack of actual skill doomed the events. The Kinsmen pulled their support and moved it to Waterfest. No touring bands in the Lift Off price range had been signed and it’s late in the booking season as well.
Lift Off’s issues stem to the mysterious marital break up of founder Chris Savard who left town in a hurry after rumours of scandal broke regarding the Lift Off coffers.
Ultimately instead of balloons and acts that might attract tourists Cornwallites will get over priced ribs in styrofoam boxes while sitting at prison tables with local acts they could normally see for free mixed in with a few cover bands at Lamoureux Parc this year. The one bright point is we won’t have a alcohol fueled Rick Shaver yelling at the welfare deadbeats outside of the fence who are too cheap to buy a ticket. (I paraphrase)
To add insult to injury Phil Shorey and his team at Ribfest essentially are using little to no local services. The Rib portion of the event is managed by Carter Shows Ltd and Phil didn’t even use local firms like Sylvain Sound for the stage. In other words almost all of the money pumped into Ribfest will be leaving the community.
Fundamentally this is an Economic Development and tourism issue, and it’s yet another reason why the City should be considering the replacement of Mark Boileau & Bob Peters as they have seen failure after failure while spending an awful lot of tax money.
Looking at the make up of what’s left of the board for the most part shows too little too late with people that clearly do not understand the nature of serving a community or their role.
Here is Lift Off’s Press Release
The Board of Directors of the Cornwall Hot Air balloon Festival has voted to cancel Lift-Off 2015 citing an inability to garner major sponsors. The Board was relying on raising funds to secure this year’s entertainment roster and to cover the remaining deficit from the 2013 Lift-Off festival which suffered a large loss due primarily to adverse weather conditions.
Further, Lift-Off has to date been unable to attract a commitment for a title sponsor for the 2015 edition of the annual festival. Additionally a number of the large sponsors have not yet committed to return as of this point. With less than three months until the 2015 festival date it was determined by the Board that it would not have the time to raise the funds required and attract the talent that festival goers are anticipating.
It is the intention of the Board of Directors to stay the course and through a series of fund raising events, satisfy the current debt outstanding by the festival. We are thankful for the evident support from the City of Cornwall which was a step in the right direction. We are hopeful the the same or greater level of commitment will be in force when Lift-Off applies for funding for 2016.
Municipal funds allocated for Lift-Off 2015 will not be requested from the City of Cornwall.
Lift-Off is a 100% volunteer based, home grown festival that is unique to Cornwall. The Board of Directors is hopeful that the community will support it’s efforts to raise the funds required to satisfy commitments and to prepare for the Festival’s return in 2016.
Terry Muir
Chair
Cornwall Lift Off Hot Air Balloon Festival
Committee Members
* Terry Muir * Mary Marleau * Stephanie MacDonald * *Terri Guay * Stephanie Levac * Tim Sage *
* Marvin Plumadore * Maurice Dupelle *
* Diane Wallace * Kevin Wilson *
* Martha Woods *
{MODERATED}
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“Ultimately instead of balloons and acts that might attract tourists Cornwallites will get over priced ribs in styrofoam boxes while sitting at prison tables with local acts they could normally see for free mixed in with a few cover bands at Lamoureux Parc this year” Maybe I missed something but it is free to see the local acts and cover bands at Ribfest is it not? You’re not forced to buy Ribs, and their isn’t a cover charge or entrance fee to Ribfest.
Apologies for not using my last name.“Ultimately instead of balloons and acts that might attract tourists Cornwallites will get over priced ribs in styrofoam boxes while sitting at prison tables with local acts they could normally see for free mixed in with a few cover bands at Lamoureux Parc this year” Maybe I missed something but it is free to see the local acts and cover bands at Ribfest is it not? You’re not forced to buy Ribs, and their isn’t a cover charge or entrance fee to Ribfest.
welfare deadbeats outside of the fence who are too cheap to buy a ticket ?
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Come on Jamie stop the bullshit .we know you are pissed off at Rib Fest cause you don,t get make any money off Rib Fest but don<t run down something good for the City
Sadly I don’t see Lift-Off returning. Once a festival or event takes a sabbatical they rarely return. Take a look at the Ottawa Ex for an example.
As for the money targeted for Lift-Off going to TAG I don’t see that happening. That money was designated for Lift-Off, not TAG. IMHO, that money no longer exists. It is like government budgetary money. Until the money is actually spent the money does not exist. That is how government budgets work. For example if a unit does not use its full allocated budget does it get to keep the unspent money? No, the money goes back in to the general account.
From my understanding the Kinsmen did not pull their sponsorship. The Kinsmen sponsorship contract ran out on Lift-Off and they decided to sponsor Waterfest.
With the way Lift-Off has gone the last few years entertainment and organizational wise I think it was a smart move for them to take a sabbatical. The entertainment the last few years was poorly thought out. It seemed they just took a look at whom they could afford, rather than the quality of the entertainment. Lift-Off the last few years has simply been going through the motions, something like I was at my job when I knew I was retiring in less than six months.
As for the money from RibFest leaving the community I disagree. The Cornwall Seaway Lions Club recently donated $30k to the CCHF for the chemotherapy program at Cornwall Community Hospital.
Organizers sent out a press invite to share info and didn’t show up? That says it all.
Did I read right? There’s still a debt to be paid to the city?
Finally, why would anyone expect to make money on an event you don’t need to be at to enjoy?
No lift off 2015? This is so sad for the city. I believe it is a real sign of the times. This city is going downhill fast. Next, i can see the Cornwall square closing. People should boycott Ribfest. I would encourage everyone to learn how to cook with charcoal, and spend money at home, making your own ribs. At least the money will stay in town, and hey you will get enjoyment making your own and you will get lots more for your money. Don’t buy into Ribfest, buy a charcoal smoker or make one. Make your own ribs all summer long, it’s not hard once you get the hang of it. Heck, i would even write an article on the basics and where to get supplies right here in town. No lift off, then Ribfest should flop….hard.
This was inevitable. Robfest is free except for the food. And that is not mandatory. Try getting over your sore spot over funding. The reason why TAG is not supported is because you are a part of it.
It might have been meant that they could not afford a ticket because they do not work.
Mike Welsh, “welfare deadbeats” is a little harsh. Be thankful that life has treated you well so far.
I am not the kind who would buy a ticket to that lift off or any other kind of thing and I wouldn’t eat that stuff outside of my home. As for calling people welfare in such a place then no wonder that tickets are not selling and Cornwall is literally broke and I warned all of you but it fell on deaf ears. When Alberta is in big doo doo what do you expect of the rest of Canada and the entire world. Very soon you will hear of a huge stock market crash.
Gotta tell ya. For over priced ribs in a styrofoam box that sure is one hell of a line up all day long for them. I guess some of us only see what they want to believe.
Yes Jimmy. Mr. Muir said nobody emailed him that they were coming so he cancelled without sending an email and then gave an interview to the Freeholder. Classy to the end.
I’ve tried a lot of the ribs to see what all the fuss was about last year. First impression, way way overpriced. Secondly, none were any better than i can make in my smoker. Taste different? Yes. More tender and cooked better? Hell no. People, learn to smoke your own, you will be pleasantly surprised to learn that there is no magic to it. Picture it, a nice hot summer day, ribs in the smoker, slopping sauce on the every once in a while, smell of wood smoke and ribs, nice cold beer, good tunes on the radio.
Jules, you are so right about the stock market plummeting soon. It’s coming time to pay the piper, and we are holding a bag with no money in it. The dollar is going to be worthless, very soon.
Cornwall Seaway Lions Donated $30,000.00 to CCHF for the chemotherapy Room and $17,000.00 5 years ago to Pediatric.
Where do think that money came from ,citizens of Cornwall that attended Rib Fest
Marcel, you ever stopped to wonder why cancer is skyrocketing in Cornwall? So much so, that the need was felt to have chemo here? In 2014, i personally knew of two people in their forties get diagnosed and died within thirty days of lung cancer and brain. Maybe when you or someone you know gets cancer, we’ll throw money at you and say “all better”.
Hello Jerry
Yes Marcel is my father and yes he does know quite a few that have been diagnosed with cancer and died of cancer. I’m sure most people know someone that has been diagnosed or died of cancer. And what does your statement have to do with Ribfest? Marcel Ravary was only stating that the money made from Ribfest does go to good things. So I don’t understand why you even commented.
The problem with cancer in Cornwall is that the chemicals from the industries have never left and will never leave for hundreds if not thousands of years. The air, the soil and the water are all contaminated. When you breathe the air you may say that there is no stink and yes that is true but the chemicals themselves are in the air just the same and the water and ground are highly contaminated and is all there to stay for a mighty long time to come. Yes Rib Fest is doing good for the community but the thing is with all the unemployment most people cannot afford it. Another thing is that home cooking is best. Jerry is making me mighty hungry over those smoked ribs that he makes at home and yes those are the best. Cancer is on the rise and it is a mighty horrible disease.
I totally agree with you Jules on almost every front. Except that even the unemployed can enjoy Ribfests entertainment free.
And the bands are just as good as liftoff’s ever in some cases way better(That’s my opinion only).
Ribfest last year was a huge success. The huge long lines for ribs lasted all day and I never heard a quirk about pricing. People just loved the opportunity to get out of the house and enjoy the sun, entertainment, fun food with friends. Imagine if we all stayed home instead..like really? I wait all winter to get out and enjoy life. Ribfest brings incredible business and awareness to Cornwall. Nevermind exposure for the vendors, and just plain fun for the day. I cant believe why anyone would be negative to getting out and enjoying a day locally. By the huge numbers last year, I didnt see many hurting to pay $20 for ribs and free entertainment. Bash what needs to be bashed,..enjoy what needs to be enjoyed.
Jerry you dont even make sense so no use talking to you
your day will come that you will be glad that the Lions gave money to the hospital ,that more then you can say that you
can say you have dome for your community
Here in Ottawa there is no more exhibition and what the city did is that they sold the land to developers and built high rise condos made of glass and steel and there is no parking for anything in there not even for the football games. You would think that Cornwall would learn from this. I just perused the Seaway News and the people are complaining because nothing for the kids and that is true. There were more things for kids back when Jamie’s relative was mayor of Cornwall back in the 50’s era. Today Cornwall is for the old folks only – like me and being quiet to quilt. LOL LOL. ROLF! Honestly Cornwall is literally dying. We are going to Cornwall next month and my daughter took that day off from work. It is very sad that Cornwall is just becoming a seniors town and you sure cannot make a town grow on seniors pensions and young families will have no other alternative but to move out of Cornwall. I mentioned before that Moncton has an arts centre and plenty of bands from the US and Canada go there. Moncton amalgamated with the surrounding towns and is alive. I am debating whether to live there later on or not.
Jules….there is parking at Lansdowne Park, just none for major outdoor events (football games, concerts, etc). The parking is underground. There is parking for Club and Suite owners for RedBlacks games. They want to save the parking for the shopping public.
I’ve mentioned before that I think comparing Moncton (Greater Moncton population is 139k) to Cornwall (Metro Cornwall population is 59k) for amalgamation or arts centre purposes is unfair.
Hugger thanks for telling me about the parking here at the new condos and the football stadium. My daughter told me that those condos are 96% sold. Hugger if Cornwall had all of the surrounding towns Long Sault, Ingleside, Morrisburg and those nearest the population would help out the arts centre, hockey rinks, etc. Ingleside is not that far away. My daughter travelled much further to go to the former job that she had before on OC Transpo buses. If amalgamation took place and Cornwall would improve its bus service then the town can expand. Yes Moncton is in the area of $134K or more and they have a couple of universities. Cornwall has to redefine itself or it will die for sure without a doubt. Every year it is the same thing over and over again and nothing came forward in new ideas to put the town forward.
With the “success” of previous amalgamations I don’t think the Ontario government would be willing to look at any further attempts. In fact, some cities, towns, etc., are looking to de-amalgamate. But it is more expensive than amalgamation. For amalgamation to work the amalgamating towns, cities, etc. have to be close. IMHO, Long Sault, Ingleside, etc. are too far for amalgamation to work properly. Amalgamation of Cornwall with Long Sault, ingleside, St. Andrews west, etc. is a disaster just waiting to happen. As for Cornwall redefining itself I agree. But how? Adding a satellite university? What a joke that would be.