Alternatives to the HWFE

(to the City Council)

Hello All!

After reviewing the agenda packet for 8/1, I think you need to acknowledge that the Wine and Food experience didn’t work out the way we were led to expect it would. The organizers posted a loss and missed their fundraising goal (which, it should be mentioned, was lower than the figures being floated when the event was originally being pitched to the city). They failed to contribute to the Day Labor Center, which was promised though not required. This is in spite of a small army of local volunteers who came to help.

Their suggestion to remedy this is to grow the event further, despite many residents feeling that the whole event was already out of scale for our small town. Finally, many local businesses reported that they did not benefit from the event, and that the event "sucked the air out" of the downtown business district as locals steered clear of the commotion.

Let’s do something different. If we have a local non-profit in need, the city can assist it itself by supporting a fundraiser. It could be similar to the one the HWFE held at The Matheson for FFA, but there are lots of options available and it doesn't even need to be tied to a Wine event. 

If our local businesses are suffering, let’s support them with an event that is more in scale with Healdsburg. Why not spread the food and wine expo throughout town at various wineries and restaurants, and over a longer period of time, instead of piling up everything over one weekend? This would be similar to what the Jazz Festival does. There is no need to erect an extravagant, expensive tent structure that takes over our largest downtown parking resource and displaces and inconveniences the Farmer’s Market.

If there is a need for a central event, let’s hold it in the appropriate venues, the ones that we already have (or will have). Let’s use the Villa and/or the forthcoming Foley Family Community Pavilion. These are perfect for this kind of event, and the scale is right. The Plaza should not be considered an option. The Plaza should remain open for everyone.

Finally, let’s make this event for everyone. If we are supporting wine and vineyard workers, let’s make sure they are not excluded by high ticket prices and by marketing focused only on wealthy connoisseurs. Let’s reduce costs and keep the profits in town and make this a celebration that really welcomes everyone in Healdsburg.

I am asking you to please press pause on this event. Let's take the time to consider some alternatives that serve the city better.

Sincerely,

Chris Herrod