BOURNE–The Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber of Commerce, the sponsor for the 2nd annual Cape Cod Canal Day, had all fees associated with town property usage waived on June 11 by Bourne selectmen.
Fees for a one day license to sell beer and wine, as well as any costs to use Buzzards Bay Park, were waived.
Selectmen passed the waivers by a four to one vote, but there are still critics of the movement, including Buzzards Bay resident Gary Maloney.
“Last year we waived the fee, and the way it was written up then was as a one year waiver in the interest of unity and building good will,” Maloney explained at the board of selectmen meeting.
“This sounds like it’s going to be every single year that we’re going to be asked to waive the fee, and if they’re waiving it for them every year, why do we have a fee structure at all?””
Chamber President and CEO Marie Oliva defended the fees being waived.
She explained that the group does not receive profits from the sale of beer and wine, and money raised for the event is invested back for the community’s enjoyment.
“When we raise money, we take all that money from sponsorships and we pay for the bands, and we pay for the activities and programs that we have,” Oliva stated.
“That’s how it works; it’s about the community.”
The 2nd annual Cape Cod Canal Day will be held on Saturday, September 14, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
By: BRENDAN FITZPATRICK, CapeCod.com News Center
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