Margaret Eaton, Dundas

Re; Cactus Festival kerfuffle, March 14, The News.

With reference to the Cactus Festival possibly moving to the Dundas Park, I wish to voice my concerns and opposition to the suggestion made by first-year chairman Longo of the Dundas Cactus Festival Committee.

The festival has been in operation for 37 years and has been a great success. Crowds come out to watch the parade held on Thursday night prior to the event.

According to Mr. Longo’s suggestion, moving everything to the park would eliminate the necessity of road closures. Really? Streets will have to be closed for the parade. Why can they not remain closed for the weekend?

I am one of a family of six kids who moved from Hamilton to Dundas 80 years ago.

I’m proud to say that most of us have remained here, and have taken an active part in the town’s events. Each year, we look forward to the festival and the opportunity to walk up and down King Street, meeting old and new friends, admiring the items displayed by many vendors on the street and the stores where items are displayed and purchased.

I have several questions about the proposal: Where will people park their cars? Has any thought been given to the inconvenience caused to people living on Parkview Row? How about the inconvenience to the tennis club and the lawn bowling club and to the many families who love to come to the park for picnics? Plans are that the midway will remain on the original spot on Hatt Street. How convenient is that for people trying to be at both places?

I have spoken to many friends and neighbors, as well as some business owners and have had overwhelming support of my concerns.

There’s an old saying which seems appropriate. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”