It's Official — SeptemberFest is Back

It's back — September will once again see SeptemberFest in town.

In 2007, 21,000 people attended SeptemberFest. The event, formerly put on by the Simsbury Chamber of Commerce, has not been held since. That officially changed Monday night when the board of selectmen approved the return of the event; this time presented by the board of the Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center.

Board chairman Dave Ryan made the presentation to the selectmen, aided by performing arts center manager Tom Vincent, who would be in charge of the event.

The event will be held September 9, 10 and 11. Hours will be 5 to 10 p.m. Friday night, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

"I think its' exciting," said First Selectman Mary Glassman.

Back in January, the Simsbury Chamber of Commerce released any and all rights and responsibilities to the event to the town for $1. The chamber agreed to sell its SeptemberFest supplies (banners, tokens, walkie-talkies, fencing, event signage, etc.) to the town for $1,000. The chamber was also paid $1,300 for 20 hours of administrative assistance to transition the event to the town.

These costs for the event will be paid for by the performing arts center's special revenue fund. The agreement also stipulates that Vincent will receive 50 percent of the event's net income.

Ryan estimated the event's revenue will be $81,550, minus out expenses of $52,028, the cost of good and services for $9,686 and that leaves $19,836 in revenue, with half going to the town and the other Vincent.

Ryan said if the event planning falters and it has to be canceled by June 30, the board will be out $2,900 for advertising, permits and sign costs.

Vincent said he is working on getting a fireworks display for one of the nights and a train ride for children that would loop around the event grounds, which is centered at the performing arts center, with use of the stage.

An overhead of the performing arts center's layout was show to walk the selectmen through the booths and stations for the event. The Home Show will be part of the event on Saturday only.

Vincent said he estimated between 15,000 to 18,000 people will attend. He told the selectmen one of the next steps is to find the 150 or so volunteers needed to work at the event.

"It's a great community event," said Vincent.

Anyone interested can contact him at coachtev8@yahoo.com or call 860-462-9726.