“This allows the chamber to afford the activities it supports, many of which do not generate any income at all,” Vandel said.

The result marked a turnaround from the previous festival, which organizers said did not generate income for the Weston Chamber of Commerce. At the chamber’s July meeting, festival director Loren Simpelo attributed the change to lower costs, greater venue support and a smaller lineup. This year’s festival featured 12 bands at six venues, two fewer acts than the previous year.

Bands and sound accounted for $8,300, or about 80% of total expenses. Simpelo said eliminating most outside sound costs saved nearly $4,000.

O’Malley’s Pub contributed $2,000 and provided access to sound equipment and engineers. Co-owner Corey Weinfurt said the business and the chamber negotiated an arrangement that worked for both organizations.

“We already have the sound equipment and engineers, so we came up with an arrangement that makes sense for both parties,” Weinfurt said.

He said the event “pretty much balanced out” for O’Malley’s despite the weather. Moving performances indoors reduced capacity, he said, but created a more concentrated atmosphere.

“It certainly limited the attendance and capacity, but the indoor events seemed to intensify the experience for the customers,” Weinfurt said.

Music curator and volunteer, Kelly Hunt said the smaller lineup was part of an effort to build a festival that could continue without overextending its volunteer organizers or budget. Most performers were from the Kansas City area, with a limited number of regional touring acts added to broaden the lineup.

“We’ve been trying to make it a sustainable festival, something that can carry on through the years,” Hunt said.

Hunt described the programming as a celebration of Americana, folk, bluegrass, country and singer-songwriter music drawn largely from the region.

The day before the festival, organizers activated their rain contingency plan rather than risk setting up outdoor sound equipment that might have to be moved during storms. Hunt said the decision allowed performances to continue without delays. Some sets moved into smaller rooms, including the Upper Pub at O’Malley’s and the Coal House Saloon.

Hunt said the indoor shows created a more intimate atmosphere and demonstrated that additional indoor stages could be used in future festivals. Organizers also concentrated venues near downtown so attendees could park once and walk between performances.

Vandel said the goal this year was at least to break even. Continued positive financial results could allow organizers to consider reducing the ticket price or offering free admission in the future. 

Simpelo told the chamber board the festival is intended primarily to market Weston rather than serve as a major fundraiser. Board members discussed whether future sponsorships and venue support could allow organizers to reduce the current $25 ticket price or eventually offer free admission.