Since the event’s inception in the wake of the collapse of the levee walls that flooded much of the city, the organizers have been instrumental in bringing back the neighborhood. Now, the city wants to raise the rental fee for using the banks of historic Bayou St. John to a level that threatens the budget of the festival.
I suspect that like the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival before it, many people, including those behind the attempt to raise the rental fee, don’t realize that the Boogaloo is run by and supports a non-profit organization. Though most fans are well aware of the Jazz Fest’s status now, that wasn’t always the case. Shameless self-promotion—if you want to read the whole story about the Jazz Fest, and this particular chapter, get my book.
Like the Jazz Fest, the Boogaloo funnels considerable monies back into the community.
Just recently, they held an event, covered by us here, to help restore the canopy of trees that make the bayou such an attractive place to live. The full gamut of the Mothership Foundation’s involvement in the neighborhood is detailed here.
Please spread the word about the effort to rein in the city’s demands. If you are passionate about Bayou St. John, the Mid City Bayou Boogaloo, local music and festivals, please sign the petition. If the city’s effort to raise the rental fee succeeds, other neighborhood festivals will be next including three smaller events that take place in the same space.
If you wish to place a sign in your yard in support of this cause, please e-mail president@mothershipfoundation.org.
