
Nature Illuminated lights at Monk Gardens in Wausau, WI. Image courtesy: WAOW TV
WESTON, WI (WSAU) โ The Village of Weston Tourism Commission has denied a funding request from Monk Botanical Gardens for their upcoming Blossom of Lights festival.
Commissioners cited the boardโs handling of their short-lived name change and the controversy that surrounded it while also questioning their increased funding request. Village President Mark Maloney said going from $5,000 to $10,000 seemed like a big jump. โThe [Hmong Wausau Festival] is monstrous, itโs huge. The Taste โn Glow is also very, very large. To be at that same [funding] level, but itโs just not,โ said Maloney.
Executive Director Darcie Howard said they upped the ask because of a matching grant they received from the state. Maloney acknowledged the response, then said he couldnโt support the funding request.
โFor me, not once have I been called [by a resident] for a yes. A lot of people from across the community [have called] for different reasons. I canโt be convinced to vote yes. I will be voting no,โ added Maloney.
Howard was also questioned by Maloney over her knowledge of those who keep the gardens in shape, saying he has a neighbor who has volunteered for years but says she doesnโt think the Executive Director would know who she is. โShe says you wouldnโt know her by name, youโve never said โhelloโ to her,โ recalled Maloney.
โWe have 150 volunteers and I have no office on the site,โ said Howard. โThatโs called free labor,โ Maloney replied.
Trustee Barb Ermaling said she was offended by comments from some of the Board Members who said the Gardens are not supported by any municipality when Weston has provided funding for the Blossom of Lights before.
โIโm thinking โWhat do you mean you arenโt receiving any help? Money weโve donated in the past- if it didnโt help, where did it go?,โ said Ermaling.
Howard said she thought that statement may have been in response to those who thought the gardens were supported by the city of Wausau, adding โit was not to insult or decrease the commitment [the Village] has made.โ
Trustees called the question following that exchange. The motion to deny passed unanimously.
This yearโs Blossom of Lights festival is scheduled for September 18th through October 26th. Tickets will go on sale August 15th. For more information visit the eventโs website by clicking here.
Comments