,Mrzzy! FREE?

Wow! Didn't know there was any.

Most places with festivals DO charge. And mostly limit food to what is purchased on site.

Only one I know of which might fit is the Summer Concert series in Port Hawkesbury - Granville Green Concert series.

The reason they can do that is the corporate sponsorship given by local companies, such as Stora Enso, a local pulp-paper mill, owned internationally. They aren't the only sponsor though.

I would suggest that a campaign be started among long time attendees to canvas local companies, get as many as you can, on board to help sponsor this event.

It is something any medium to large company is set to do. They just have to be asked. They're NOT going to volunteer the funds. I would suggest calling the communications/publicity departments of any company with revenues >$1,000,000.00 or profits listed higher than $150,000.00.

They LIKE to be perceived as being good local citizens. But like I said earlier, they're not going out of their way to spend the money.

If you can find an employee who works for the companies and attends the concerts regularly. They can help get the information on the proper person to hit up for cash. Keep after them. AND of course, get as many onboard as possible. It makes it easier for them to contribute. (You can do it like the movie people, "We're also talking with xxxx about an equivalent contribution." Let THEM suggest the amount, if possible. They'll feel better, and will probably spend HIGHER than what you guessed.