Village of Weston Tourism Commission Denies Funding Request for Monk Botanical Gardens’ Festival

Wednesday, May 22nd, 2024 -- 10:01 AM

(Mike Leischner, WSAU) The Village of Weston Tourism Commission has denied a funding request from Monk Botanical Gardens for their upcoming Blossom of Lights festival.

According to Mike Leischner with WSAU, commissioners cited the board’s 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.

“The [Hmong Wausau Festival] is monstrous, it’s huge. The Taste ‘n Glow is also very, very large. To be at that same [funding] level, but it’s just not,” 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 couldn’t support the funding request. “For 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 can’t be convinced to vote yes. I will be voting no,” 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 doesn’t think the Executive Director would know who she is.

“She says you wouldn’t know her by name, you’ve never said ‘hello’ to her,” recalled Maloney. “We have 150 volunteers and I have no office on the site,” said Howard. “That’s called free labor,” 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.

“I’m thinking ‘What do you mean you aren’t receiving any help? Money we’ve donated in the past- if it didn’t help, where did it go?,” 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 “it was not to insult or decrease the commitment [the Village] has made.”

Trustees called the question following that exchange. The motion to deny passed unanimously. This year’s Blossom of Lights festival is scheduled for September 18th through October 26th. Tickets will go on sale August 15th. For more information visit the event’s website by clicking here.

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