As of a news release dated August 10th, the 2024 Mantua Potato originally scheduled for September 6-8 has been cancelled according to Andrea Selvaggio, President of the Mantua Potato Festival Association. She noted that the difficult decision was made after careful consideration of several critical factors. The primary issue was the loss of the village park’s electrical system and the prohibitive costs associated with renting and operating generators for three days. In addition, the lack of a qualified team to manage these generators throughout the festival weekend prohibited the volunteer-run festival from happening this year.
According to Selvaggio, the Mantua Potato Festival’s mission has been to hold a local festival that highlights local businesses and civic organizations and provides them with an opportunity to raise funds while promoting the area. Decreased participation from local civic organizations has impacted on their ability to plan and execute the festival.
Despite numerous appeals, the Festival Committee has been unable to secure the essential volunteer support needed to organize and manage key events. There’s also been a significant decline in vendor and concession participation, essential for the festival’s success.
During the months leading up to this decision, the Festival Committee has reached out to Mantua Village, Village Council, and throughout the community to garner support and discuss potential solutions but were unable to resolve the myriad of issues facing the Mantua Potato Festival.
Selvaggio noted that although the Committee received several generous sponsorships and donations for this year’s festival, the overall decline in financial support has significantly impacted their ability to deliver the event our patrons have come to expect. The Committee will be issuing refunds for donations made this year and deposits received from vendors.
The Mantua Potato Festival had a solid foothold in the Village, with the first event, called the Potato Show, which was focused on potato production celebrated in 1939. However, the festival was halted during World War II. It was reprised in 1973 by the Mantua Crestwood Merchants Association as the Mantua Potato Festival.
Nine years ago, the festival was in danger of cancellation after two former board members allegedly absconded with the bulk of the festival funds. Thanks to a $10,000 donation by one generous donor, combined with donations and support from others in the community, the festival was able held that year. This year’s festival would have been the 51st annual Mantua Potato Festival.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to the volunteers who have tirelessly dedicated their time and effort over the past year, overcoming numerous obstacles to push forward with planning this year’s festival. We also sincerely thank those who were willing to assist with activities during the festival weekend, as well as our generous donors,” Selvaggio noted on behalf of the Potato Festival Committee. “While the future of the festival is currently undetermined, we appreciate the support we have received and will carefully consider our next steps.”
For more information, reach out to the Mantua Potato Festival Association via email at: mantuapotatofest@gmail.com.
