Mantua – In April it was announced that the State of Ohio Attorney General’s office has opened an investigation due to mishandling of festival funds. It was noted on the Mantua Potato Festival Facebook page that, “Lack of resources to move forward and unpaid debt from 2014 inhibits the remaining committee members from putting on a festival in 2015.” Luckily, due to overwhelming community support, it was recently announced that the Potato Festival is back on. So mark your calendar to attend the 42nd Annual Mantua Potato Festival. September 11th, 12th and 13th!
According to Festival Committee member Tammy Lyons, “The town has really stepped up. The community really wanted it, and has donated to support this year’s Potato Festival.” Thanks to a $10,000 gift from an anonymous donor, in addition to support from local residents and businesses including Junction Auto in Chardon, Sierra Trucking, F & S Automotive, AWL Transport and Carlton Harley-Davidson in Mantua, the nearly $15,000 debt from last year’s Festival has been paid.
According to Committee member Linda Schilling, “The entertainment has been booked, with many local bands donating their time. Local businesses including Sierra Trucking, Carlton Harley-Davidson, AWL Transport and Jake’s Market will be donating time to work in the beer tents. Booth applications have been sent out to last year’s participants, but volunteers will be needed to help set-up, tear down, and help at the announcer booth during the weekend of the festival
The Potato Festival Planning Committee needs your help to make this year’s Festival the best it can be. The Committee meets on Monday, June 15th at 7 pm at the red brick Spudsy Building in Mantua Village Park. They will continue to meet every 3rd Monday of each month until the Festival, and need your help to make this years festival fabulous. For more information, visit the Mantua Potato Festival’s Facebook page or call (330) 842-2366.
