Pursuant to Annie Lyman’s letter on July 8 (“Local festivals: Where is all this money going?”):

Salty Sea Days’ annual budget runs anywhere between $110,000 and $125,000. How do we raise that money? From sponsorships, a grant from a state tax collected from hotels/motels/RV parks, visitor information centers and other tourism related events and activities. And funds from the carnival and concessions. I have no idea who Ms. Lyman talked to on our waterfront site – it certainly wasn’t me or anyone who knew anything about Salty Sea Days.

A consulting company has, for the past three years, handled our vendors and site layout. We will, however, be taking most of those responsibilities back because we have not been pleased with their work. The site design will be changed back to our original design and more control of vendors will also come back to us. It was something we tried that didn’t work out.

Also, Salty Sea Days is not part of the City of Everett or vice versa. We are an independent nonprofit. The only money that I know the City of Everett would make from the activities on the waterfront would be sales tax. Where does Salty’s money go? Office and storage space, insurance, advertising, awards, trophies for parade winners and security. It’s a costly venture.

We are also more than the waterfront activities: the Salty Sea Days Grand Parade, the classic car show, limited hydro races and the Hawaiian Outrigger races. Salty Sea Days just celebrated its 33rd year – we did not replace the Fourth of July celebration.

The paid staff we have is all part time – our total annual payroll is approximately $27,000. It would serve the community much better if, before writing letters with misinformation and innuendoes, folks would be part of the solution.

Executive Director

Everett Salty Sea Days Association