To Uproar: Scallop Fest Move "Not Taken Lightly," Organizers Say

The Bourne Scallop Festival used its Facebook page this week to respond to a storm of complaints over the festival's announced move to East Falmouth in 2014.

"Many of you have expressed strong opinions about the festival's upcoming move to the Cape Cod Fairgrounds in Falmouth," the post begins, continuing: 

"The event's roots and heart have been and always will be in Bourne. Proceeds from the event will continue to be donated to programs for the public good in Bourne and neighboring Canal Region towns. The decision to move the event was not taken lightly and was a hard, but necessary, decision to ensure the future success of the event and safety of the festival attendees."

The scallop festival has "simply outgrown the park's available space," according to the post.

Facebook users were divided in their reactions:

•  "I LOVED this event because it was somewhat low key & not over the bridge.....I have gone every year since I was 18. I am 30 now w a house in Kingston and 2 kids. I have taken my husband since we were dating and my kids every year. I am so sad to hear this event is moving to Falmouth! I will no longer be attending....I have been spreading the word about this event for years & have had many friends and family become loyal attendees. I can not tell you how sad this news is to hear. Very disappointing."
• "I have as well been going for the past 30 years and this will probably be my last. The traffic by the fairgrounds is horrible. I hope you reconsider your decision."
• "It's a good decision, IMHO. Although the Cape Cod RR will no longer be used for it."

The original Facebook announcement that the festival will move to East Falmouth for its 45th year drew 38 shares and more than 50 comments, most of them negative:

• "Wow that's sad. Taking away the only major annual attraction that brings revenue to downtown Buzzards Bay. The park has been able to accommodate this event for 44 years (with less parking)."
• "That's a shame. That is the only major event our village hosts. I won't be attending that anymore sadly I was able to walk to it from home instead of battling traffic."
• "This will be a major blow to the downtown Buzzards Bay and surrounding area as this was the highlight of the year! I also find this odd since next year is the 100th anniversary of the Cape Cod Canal with many events through the summer. Very sad day indeed!"
  
• "Wow, the decision makers just handed over much needed Bourne/Buzzards Bay neighborhood business revenue to another town. Quick poor decision. Dumb move. Falmouth - Rte. 151 We (& visiting guests) won't be wasting any time traveling to- and-from this. Enjoy your 'big profits'."
  

But some people looked on the positive side, or tried to find it:

• "I think it may be for the better, and remember, everyone, that the Fest hasn't always been at the park, either."
• "Well I hope it remains a successful event for all of you. Good luck! I will miss having it in my village."
  

In comments responding to locals' concerns, festival organizers said that public safety was a major factor in the decision to move to the fairgrounds, which "have all the necessary buildings to accommodate large crowds."

In past years, the Bourne festival has used tents, which "have become a major liability, especially when it rains, requiring pumps out and flooding inside the Tent," organizers said.

An estimated 50,000 people attend the festival yearly, according to its Facebook page. Where do the proceeds go? 

"Revenue from Fest helps pay for scholarship funds for 4 area schools, food pantries, the Bourne Council on Aging, and two visitor centers that serve as public amenities for traveling motorists," festival organizers told their Facebook following.

"The large tent, lack of parking, and no more room at the Park needed to be addressed. The Scallop Fest will continue to be a community event at heart, with the best interest of the Canal region towns in mind. We remain committed to having a large number of local businesses at the Scallop Fest, and will continue to give back to the community in a much bigger way with the continued growth of the Scallop Fest."

Source: Bourne Scallop Festival/Facebook

What do you think of the change? Tell us in the comments.