Organizer Says Barbecue Bash Will Not Be Held in Wildwood

Frank Schmer, founder and organizer of the annual St. Louis Home Fires Barbecue Bash, cites "negative and inaccurate bashing at Wildwood city council and committee meetings" as the reason he announced to city officials Friday he will take the event elsewhere this fall.

Since November, Wildwood city council members have debated whether city funds should continue to be used to support an event operated by a private entity, yet hosted on city property. 

In the past two years of allowing the Bash to be held at Wildwood Town Center, however, city representatives did not donate cash directly to the organizer; instead, city finances paid for responsibilities such as police security, public sanitation and grounds maintenance.  The Bash was viewed as one of many offerings supported within the city's $50,000 events and activities budget.

The on Jan. 24 to allocate up to $25,000 toward the Bash for this year.

In constrast, city representatives and volunteers used to host an annual, one-day Wildwood Celebration event that only drew 5,000 people, but cost $60,000.

"In my mind, the Bash has no political or divisiveness attached, however, the past several months, the rumor, allegation and innuendos have made it impossible to prolong my relationship with the city of Wildwood," stated Schmer in the letter that he e-mailed to the city. 

Schmer created and held the Bash six years ago in front of his Ballwin-based store, St. Louis Home Fires.  The first year, he said he had seven teams competing.   Now at approximately 120 teams, the event last drew 30,000 to 35,000 people into Wildwood during one weekend.

"I love having the bash, but I just can't take the potshots anymore," he said.

Schmer said he has his family and business to think about, and that he could no longer allow the negativity surrounding the Bash to hurt his personal affairs.

"Things that have been stated at meetings, or like what was insinuated in the (St. Louis) Post-Dispatch, couldn't be any more inaccurate," he said.  "It makes it sound like I took money from the city, when I didn't." 

Schmer said he contacted the St. Louis Post-Dispatch staff regarding the Jan. 26 article, and was interviewed.  "While I requested a follow-up article to set some things straight, they wouldn't do it."

He said he knew the negativity had reached a new level of concern when a college buddy from Texas contacted him "to see if he was in trouble."  He said the friend had received a forwarded version of the Post-Dispatch article from his father. 

"The Bash is a festival, it's an event that's supposed to make people happy.  It's not a political deal, and shouldn't be causing all this trouble," said Schmer.

"Wildwood city administrators have been awesome to work with, but when the conversations about the Bash called out my business and my integrity, that was too much.  I think council members forget that everything they say is a matter of public record."

Schmer said he did not see nor understand why some council members would view the city's financial sponsorship of other community endeavors at Town Center any differently than the Bash, citing examples such as Wildwood paying for a carnival to service the city; buying a bench to honor a private individual; paying for city-sponsored pony rides; renting a band to perform at city events; or providing an annual salary to the manager of the city's farmers' market.

"I don't have any axes to grind with Wildwood, and I'm sorry a couple of people ruined it (the Bash)," he said.

Schmer said he feels badly that the charities and civic organizations involved in the Bash will lose their opportunities to benefit from it.

"I hope Wildwood residents will remember the Bash fondly, and that we'll find a new home for it," he said. 

The Bash was scheduled for Sept. 24-25.  Schmer said he has 20-plus alternative locations in mind.


FOLLOWING IS THE LETTER FRANK SCHMER SENT TO WILDWOOD CITY ADMINISTRATORS ON FEB. 11, 2011

The St. Louis Home Fires BBQ Bash in Wildwood 2009-2010 was a great and ultimately gratifying experience with regard to staffing, location, attendance and community spirit.  The St. Louis County Police assistance and Metro West involvement helped the Bash become one of St. Louis' largest festivals.  

The Wildwood administration, including Kathy A., Andrea, Terri, Gary, Glen, Ted, Joanna and so many others have been great to work with. Even Ruth, whom has been patient with my phone calls from the beginning. The Wildwood business community and West County Chamber of Commerce have been very supportive. 

The charities involved have rose to such a high level of participation that the Bash can only offer my sincere, thanks.        

The Bash was created several years ago to promote the art of grilling, engage community and business participation, design a family friendly environment and ultimately make the City of Wildwood proud.  I am personally indebted to all of the supporters over the past several years and I am truly sorry that I have reached this decision regarding the 2011 Home Fires BBQ Bash. 

I understand that the Bash is not favored by every individual.  I further understand that the role of City Council is to make appropriate and ethical decisions regarding the welfare of its constituents. In my mind, the Bash has no political or divisiveness attached, however, the past several months the rumor, allegation and innuendos have made it impossible to prolong my relationship with the City of Wildwood. 

I understand that to some individuals on Council, I may be letting you down.  I understand that some of you will be pleased.  Either way, it has been a remarkable experience and one that I hope to duplicate in an alternate location.  I also want to elaborate on my reason for severing my ties with the City of Wildwood.  It was a great pleasure to be invited to a Wildwood Council and Committe Meeting as a guest of the city.  I am hopeful that future guests are received in a manner consistent with the friendly invitation. 

In addition, it seems that some individuals forget that their comments in Council Chambers are not limited to four walls but can have dramatic impact on businesses, personal lives, charities, sponsors and individuals.  I had no personal agenda, other than to promote the City of Wildwood and schedule an event, per the St. Louis Post Dispatch, that is like many around St. Louis. I have a hard time appreciating the same for some Council Members. I hope that we have done what is truly in the city's best interest. 

It seemed when a proposed art show was removed from the budget, the negativity began.  When my kids, wife, bash participants, sponsors, charities and friends question the loyalty of The City of Wildwood, it made me question my own enjoyment in continuing my efforts.  In other words, I have no political aspirations and the Bash has always been respected in the community.  My father gave me great advice.  If it's not fun and enriching your life anymore, why bother. 

I truly wrestled with this decision as many Council members supported the event, but in the end when my business and personal integrity is called into question, a mutually beneficial relationship can no longer exist.  I understand politics. I get it.   It's not easy.  However, in the end, the Bash was never political or intended to create this kind of negative stir. 

For those detractors, please do not think you were accurate or vindicated.  Believe the truth, which is truly "that a few bad apples can spoil the bunch." I am sorry to both of you for having to deal with this much turmoil, over something that seems to be so simple and bring so much joy.  I wish you both, and the City of Wildwood, a prosperous future.           

Frank Schmer, St. Louis Home Fires