Colorfest Tallies its Annual Contributions to the Community
James Rada, Jr.
Colorfest, Inc. met for its annual meeting on November 11, 2014, at Simply Asia in Thurmont to elect officers for the coming year and to review its contributions to the Thurmont community.
Colorfest, Inc. earns income from the annual fall festival and returns much of that money back to the community through either cash donations or purchases made on behalf of organizations.
Between December 2013 and November 2014, Colorfest gave $14,486.50 in cash and goods to the Thurmont community.
Here’s how those donations break down: Guardian Hose Company—$1,500; Thurmont Ambulance Company—$1,500; Thurmont Police Department—$1,500; Catoctin High School FFA—$1,164.40 (for a hog purchase at the Community Show, which was donated back and sold again with the proceeds donated to the Thurmont Food Bank); Catoctin High Scholarship—$3,500; Boy Scouts—$50 (for the BSA popcorn fundraiser that was then sent to overseas servicemen); Memorial Day Observance—$25 (for flowers and a wreath at Memorial Park); Straw—$188; Town Gardens—$126.19; Commissioners of Thurmont—$2,000; Gift Card—$50; Thurmont Food Bank—$2,233; Summer Donation—$250; Thurmont Regional Library—$100; Town Christmas Decorations—$200; Thurmont Main Street—$100.
In addition, local businesses and organizations benefit from the increased traffic in town during Catoctin Colorfest weekend. Hotels and restaurants are filled. Gas stations sell more.
Many organizations also use the event as a major fundraiser for their groups. Even residents make money with yard sales.
“We really try to support the local businesses, restaurants, hardware stores, grocery, by buying straw or flowers or Christmas decorations or even printing our brochures and fliers,” said Colorfest President Carol Robertson.
Robertson and all of the current officers are remaining in office for the next year and will continue making contributions to their community.
The 2015 Catoctin Colorfest will be October 10 and 11, 2015.
