MONROE — The show is over for the MusicFest at Lake Tye Park. At least using city money.
The Monroe City Council on Tuesday decided not to fund a September 2014 festival.
The event, which drew about 700 people in 2013, lost $36,000 in public funds. Still, Keith Brock, a guitarist who splits his time between Los Angeles and Monroe, was asking the council to put up another $65,000 for a festival this year.
Earlier this month, Brock changed his tune. He made a pitch to the council that he would put up $20,000 if the city matched the funding.
Mayor Geoffrey Thomas said the city remains open to helping outside groups hold events, defraying costs through use of facilities or maintenance. The council decided it not want to risk taxpayer’s money on Brock’s festival plan.
Instead, it directed city staff to explore possible partnerships with the Evergreen State Fairgrounds to offer resources to people who want to hold large-scale events.
Asked whether he planned to go ahead anyway with the festival this year, Brock responded by directing the Herald to the MusicFest homepage.
Amy Nile: 425-339-3192; anile@heraldnet.com.
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