COURT HOUSE – Middle Township announced the formation of an ad hoc committee to study and update vendor policies and procedures for the 2020 Harvest Festival Oct. 24.
According to a release, questions and concerns were raised last fall over the politicization of vendor booths and certain merchandise being sold that was found to be offensive to some visitors, including the Confederate flag.
Mayor Timothy Donohue said the goal of the committee would be to ensure that everyone who attends the festival feels safe and welcome and that the fall event highlights the best of Middle Township.
“The Harvest Fest has grown to be a huge draw for our town and a great economic driver for that October weekend,” Donohue stated. “But along with growth and success, come new issues, challenges and concerns. We hope to focus on returning a local flavor to the festival; featuring more local artisans and crafts, local non-profit organizations and more local food and beverages options.
“We will thoroughly review our vendor qualifications and requirements to ensure that all participants support the intended spirit of the event – an inclusive, family-friendly day that celebrates the best that our hometown has to offer.”
The committee will be made up of nine members and be chaired by Committeeman James Norris, who oversees Recreation and Special Events.
There will be three township employees, Special Events Coordinator Nancy McDevitt, Recreation Supervisor Dustin Sturm and Public Works Director Rob Flynn.
Three members will come from existing township boards – Recreation Advisory, Economic Development, and the Arts Council. There will be three members from outside organizations, one each from the Concerned Citizens of Whitesboro, Inc., the Cape May County NAACP and the Middle Township Chamber of Commerce.
Plans call for the group to meet three to four times before presenting its recommendations to township committee.
Any legal guidance needed would be provided by the township’s solicitor.
The committee will be formalized through a resolution to be voted upon at the township committee meeting scheduled for 6 p.m., Feb. 3.
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