Editorial-April 14, 2005

Festival needs more volunteers

By: Mae Rhine
   The organizers of the annual Shad Festival, held in Lambertville, have put out a call for help.
   Each year, we urge everyone to donate some time, even if it’s only an hour or so, to this event that is an important part of the city’s tourism draw.
   It’s even more important this year. The festival is being held a month later, May 21 and 22, primarily because some of its major players are no longer involved.
   It’s time for other people to step up.
   While some are disappointed the festival will be held later — without an appearance from the guest of honor, the shad itself — it still will be a boost to the city’s economy as well as its reputation.
   Hopefully, if more people offer to help, it can be held at the usual time next year, the last full weekend of April.
   There’s an added bonus. If you help, you get a free official Shad Festival T-shirt. That’s certainly worth a few hours of your time.
   Each year, the shirts are designed by local artists. They’ll be available later this month at the Sojourner.
   So give the organizers a call at 397-SHAD or e-mail them at [email protected].
   Then wear your shirt proudly as you pitch in to give our community yet another helping hand.