With FireFest gearing up for its last ever event in downtown Chatham, organizers say it’s becoming more difficult to host events in Chatham-Kent. 
Co-Chair Brent DeNure explains why they decided to end FireFest after seven years.
“We just can’t go on anymore,” DeNure says. “We need more support from administration, from City Hall. There’s a ton of man-hours that goes into doing this, and when you face some ridiculous obstacles along the way, you just shrug your shoulders and say enough’s enough.”
DeNure says the event costs upwards of $25,000 to put on each year.
“Red tape’s a killer, moving the goal posts and changing the rules along the way is a killer, we didn’t fit into the municipal guidelines for funding this year, when you add it all up, it’s just a killer.”
DeNure says other community event organizers have experienced similar struggles recently.
He says neighbouring communities have expressed interest in hosting the event.
The final FireFest will be held in downtown Chatham September 29th.
