Rotary Fest leaders wonder what led to loss

A faltering economy and spiraling gas prices have left some experts predicting people will seek their summer entertainment closer to home, boosting local festivals.

Rotary Fest in Elk Grove Village didn't find that to be the case, and people involved are debating the reasons why.

Some fest officials said it was primarily foreboding weather forecasts that caused the dip in revenue by about $10,000 from last year, while others think it was more likely the economy and high gas prices.

"People don't have as much disposable income as they used to," said Ron Nunes, the 2009 Rotary Fest president-elect, whose term begins next summer. "People are using their money to buy gasoline to get to work."

Still, Scott Bernholdt, who organized the fest, believes it was mostly the weather that prevented people from stopping by.

Although it never rained during the fest, it had been forecast as a possibility, while last summer the fest had glorious sunshine for its five-day run, he said.

Also, this year, fest organizers had to buy more supplies than last year, since there had been surplus from the year before that could be used last year, he said.

Rotary Club makes its money through sales of beer and carnival and raffle tickets. After expenses are paid, the club reaps the rest, which is used for charitable causes.

High gas prices did directly affect some contestants at Ribfest, an annual rib, pork ribs, pork, brisket and chicken cook-off, which is a big part of Rotary Fest, said Nunes, who organizes the tasty challenge.

Seven teams told Nunes they had to drop out because gas cost too much for them to make the trip, he said. Still dozens of teams from around the country did participate.

Top winners included:

• Overall winner: Iowa's Smokey D's BBQ

• Chicken: Florida Skin & Bones

• Pork Ribs: Florida Skin & Bones

• Pork: Bare Bones BBQ

• Brisket: Captain Ron's Brew Crew

Rotary Club of Elk Grove Village, with about 30 members, begins planning the next fest almost immediately after the last one ends. It takes about that long to organize the vendors, music and carnival rides.

Not affiliated with any religious or political organization, nonprofit Rotary clubs are designed to help the less fortunate. About 1.2 million people belong to the 31,000 clubs in 166 countries. The volunteer clubs meet once a week. Clubs are open to all, regardless of gender, race, culture or creed.