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St. Charles fest seeks to boost ’11 attendance
BOARDMAN
St. Charles Festival organizers say new entertainment and lower prices will boost attendance this year.
The festival, a fundraiser for St. Charles Parish along U.S. Route 224, begins Thursday and ends with a fireworks display Sunday.
Thomas Poplar, chief financial officer for the festival committee, said attendance was lower than usual last year.
“We had to reach out and do something extra, and that’s why we’re bringing in the top-notch entertainment,” Poplar said.
Well-known local bands Rudy and the Professionals, The Sensations and The House Band will perform Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, respectively.
In addition to changes in entertainment, an unlimited ride pass will drop in price from $15 to $10, said festival chairman Tony Provenzale.
“That’s the best bargain in that area,” he said.
Provenzale said about 10,000 people are expected to attend the four-day festival.
“People keep coming back because we provide a family atmosphere that attracts people from the Steel Valley, not just Boardman or St. Charles. It’s wholesome fun and cheer,” he said.
This is the 21st year of the festival and the previous 20 festivals have raised “well in excess of a $1 million” for the parish in that time, Poplar said.
Poplar explained that the festival draws income from raffle tickets, a portion of proceeds from amusement ride tickets, rent from concessionaires and parish-operated attractions.
Although there is a flat $5 admission charge for the festival, food vouchers are given once people enter the gate, Poplar added.
Police Chief Jack Nichols said the committee hires off-duty police officers to monitor the festival and that safety was improved when the committee members fenced in the festival.
“We want to keep it a safe community event,” Nichols said.