Merchants raise booth fees, hire a festival coordinator

By Alexandria Kerns

University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Media

The Midway Fall Festival will see some changes next year despite this year’s success.

According to Leslie Penn, co-owner of the Historic Midway Museum Store and treasurer of the Midway Business Association, the festival brought in $15,000 from booth rentals this year, which a gain of $3,000 from last year.

Elisha Riddle (Facebook photo)

Kenny Smith, president of the association, has been in charge of the Fall Festival the past two years. Smith has decided to step down from this position.

Elisha Riddle, a social-media marketing consultant, was chosen to take over the festival by the three members of the association who attended its regular monthly meeting Wednesday. Smith said that he would assist Riddle with the job.

“I don’t know how anyone could fight this since it is not going to cost us anything. It’s really a no-brainer to me,” MBA member Steve Simoff said.

The money to pay Riddle will come from a $25 increase in booth prices for the next year, to $200 per space. Food vendors will see a $50 increase, to $225. Smith said these prices are similar to those charged by the Francisco’s Farm Arts Festival which charges $225.

Smith also suggested that Riddle get a percentage of the money that she raises from sponsorships.

Riddle said she is excited to take over the festival next year, but does not think she will be making any major changes.

“We;ll stick to all the same basics, and Kenny is going to be coaching me so I make sure it’s done the way that the merchants want it done,” said Riddle. “It’s been successful in the past so I want to keep it that way, obviously.”