MILL CREEK – The Run of the Mill, Mill Creek’s oldest and one of its largest annual events, could be in jeopardy.
The South Snohomish County Chamber of Commerce wants to withdraw its lead sponsorship of the event, a July tradition in Mill Creek, but doesn’t want the race to die. The chamber has been in contact with the Mill Creek Rotary Club about taking over as lead sponsor.
“We have been looking at taking it over, but club members have concerns about the scope of activity and the end results,” said Geoff Owen, president of the Mill Creek Rotary. “There’s a lot of work involved, a lot of risk and not much reward.”
Owen said the event only makes about $2,000.
Rotarians also are concerned about competing with the Mill Creek Business Association for event sponsorships. The business association’s Meet Me in Mill Creek Festival has taken place the last few years immediately following the Run of the Mill, and is financed largely through sponsorships and vendors.
Jean Hales, president and CEO of the south county chamber, said the decision to drop its sponsorship came after careful deliberation.
“We’ve looked at what makes sense for the community and it makes sense for (a local organization) to run it,” she said.
Owen said he was set to have more discussions this week with the south county chamber. The chamber, meanwhile, has pledged to help whatever organization takes over the event, Hales said.
“We hope to have something done soon,” Owen said.
This year’s Run of the Mill attracted approximately 260 runners, down from approximately 360 runners who took part in 2004.
The Run of the Mill has taken place in Mill Creek for 20 years, and has traditionally taken place on the second Saturday in July.
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