The Willow Glen Resident CouncilWatch New figures show that Founders Day made big bucks After years of fine-tuning, WGBPA found a formula that worked By Cecily Barnes Three months after Founders Day, figures that were just released show that the festival was not only a fine party, but a record-breaking financial success as well. According to calculations by the Willow Glen Business and Professional Association, the annual event turned a profit--despite a swell in the cost of putting on the festival. Even with the rising expense of promotional supplies, off-duty police and volunteer leaders, Founders Day 1998 made a net profit of $9,438, approximately $3,000 more than last year. The financial health of Founders Day has not always been a given. Two festivals ago, in 1996, nearly $10,000 proved unaccounted for at the end of the weekend, and subsequent calculations showed that the event had not paid for itself. Before the following year's event, WGBPA board members made significant changes. Founders Day 1997 was transformed from a weekend-long marathon to a Saturday night gig beginning at 5 p.m. and ending around midnight. Arts and crafts vendors were excluded, and tour guides for the historical walks had to rush their groups around the area to make it back before dark. Although this event was profitable, the business association was bombarded with post-festival calls; people pleaded for a return to the two-day event. Several community meetings were held and a compromise was struck. Although it wasn't financially feasible to continue holding a two-day event, the board decided that 1998's one-day event would take place during the day instead of at night. "We clearly understood that people enjoy the daytime version of Founders Day with the outside vendors and the parade," said Demetri Rizos, manager of the Willow Glen Business and Professional Association. "We did it all this year--the parade, the vendors, an afternoon street dance and the car show." However, closing down Lincoln Avenue all day proved more costly than shutting the street for just an evening. The expense shot up from $2,221 last year, to $5,200 this year. Promotional expenses also rose by nearly $2000 as did other expenses. Nonetheless, the business association came out the other end with cash in hand. Rizos attributes this success to increased sponsorships and a larger festival grant. The WGBPA also brought more corporate sponsors on board. The Office of Cultural Affairs also upped the Founders Day festival grant from $6,665 to $7,500, and vendor fees pulled in $6,800. The car show held in the Wells Fargo Bank parking lot contributed $400. Rizos says he can't say what Founders Day 1999 will look like since the festival's structure will be determined by the business association board members. But it seems likely next year could look much like 1998, due to its success. [ Back to Contents Page | Willow Glen Resident Home Page | Archives ] This article appeared in the Willow Glen Resident, January 6, 1999. ©1998 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.