2 Trumbull Traditions, 1 Account, 1 New Festival

Don't count out the summer concert yet. But it's not likely to be in summer.

First Selectman Tim Herbst told the Board of Finance and the Town Council Thursday night that he has been dealing with two so far unidentified musical acts that could perform in September.

His vision is to combine elements of years-old and the eight-year tradition of the summer concert into one weekend.

To that end, the Board of Finance rejected a request for $60,000 in seed money for the concert but the Town Council approved it 12-2-1 shortly afterwward. The two town boards met in a special meeting in so everyone would be on the same page, Herbst said.

Herbst presented a cost analysis of past Trumbull concerts, saying they "underscore the cost of an event like this."

"Everyone needs to make a decision ... if that cost is reasonable," Herbst said. "There is a risk factor involved. You may not think it's appropriate. That's why we're here."

______________________________________________________________________________________

Interested in Trumbull's news, events, community bulletins, blogs and businesses? Sign up for the free Trumbull Patch daily newsletter, "like" us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

______________________________________________________________________________________

The first selectman said he has figures for the last two concerts but not for previous concerts.

No date for the concert has been set, but the second or fourth week of September is convenient because of holidays and town events that fall in the month, according to Herbst.

The first selectman said the town has had good luck with past acts such as the Beach Boys, Creedence Clearwater Revival and Train. Last year's concert, with Lifehouse, Sugar Ray and the Gin Blossoms, was cancelled because of power outages from Hurricane Irene.

Three thousand tickets were sold for that concert before it was canceled. Train drew about 6,500 tickets.

Trumbull Day

Trumbull Day lost money in its last two years, Herbst told the panels.

Traditionally, the festival included fireworks, games and rides and was held before the Fourth of July. The staged fireworks and games in the mall parking lot in late June, 2011.

The festival was a staple of Trumbull for years, but gradually became less profitable.

Town Officials Weigh In

All the officials agreed that a special yearly event benefits the town, but differed on what and when it should be and how it should be paid for.

Town Council Chairman Carl Massaro Jr. said the Trumbull should hold events that do not pose financial risk to the town. For example, the Irish Festival was not town-funded. Its organizers now rent space in Fairfield.

Finance Board Member Andrew Palo said, "I think you have a great idea. I would put it in the budget for next year."

Finance Alternate Cindy Penkoff agreed with Massaro that space should be rented.

Board member Paul Lavoie said the concert he attended attracted many out-of-towners. Herbst said the split was about 60 percent Trumbull residents.

Town Councilwoman Suzanne Testani called for a "very aggressive marketing campaign."

Councilwoman Martha Mark voted against the $60,000 allotment. She supported a concert, but added, "I feel like we're doing this last minute and I don't feel comfortable."

September is also too late for a concert partly because it neglects college students who might buy tickets.

Councilman James Meisner said a certain number tickets need to be sold to break even.

Herbst concluded that, "Everyone knows what we're getting into. Everybody's going to have a say in this."