Rock the Docks in Springfield Township under pressure from rising costs

This year could be the last hurray for the annual Rock the Docks event in Springfield Township, organizers fear.

The festival runs Thursday through Sunday, but the future of Rock the Docks is in jeopardy, said Jerry and Cindy Michael, two members of the Springfield/Lakemore Festival Committee, which organizes the event.

“It’s the cost that’s killing us,” Cindy Michael said in a telephone interview Monday.

The Michaels said costs for everything at the Springfield Lake event — including insurance, security and shuttles — have increased dramatically, with security and parking more than doubling since last year.

“Last year we had two fundraisers to help offset our deficit,” Cindy Michael said. “This year, with everything becoming so much more, we’re not even sure the two fundraisers will keep us going.”

Calling for volunteers for Rock the Docks

On Saturday, the organizing committee posted a warning on its Facebook page explaining the situation. In addition to the higher costs, there were also fewer volunteers for the event, which had been held since 2007.

“Now we are struggling to find enough volunteers to get through the weekend,” the post said.

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Cindy Michael said the committee had had some positive responses after the post explaining the challenges with the event.

“We’ve had a few people reach out and offer to volunteer,” she said.

Taco eating contest, princess party, fireworks, rides, music

Jerry Michael said despite rising costs and declining volunteer hours, Rock the Docks has remained popular.

“The turnout is still high,” he says. “…We estimate that we will receive approximately 20,000 people this weekend.”

The festival runs from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Thursday, 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM on Friday, 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM on Saturday and 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Sunday. Shuttles are available from the parking locations to the event.

A Princess Party is planned for Friday at 5:30 PM at the fire station. Hudson Run Music will take place at the Springfield Township Gazebo at 7 p.m.

Saturday includes a pancake breakfast at 8 a.m., Corsair Model Aircraft Club model airplanes from 8 a.m. to noon, a cake walk at noon, putt-putt golf and other events before fireworks around 9:45 p.m.

A taco eating contest sponsored by Uncle Tito’s will take place Saturday at 1 p.m.

“We’re going to have to make a decision” about the future of Rock the Docks

Cindy Michael said the committee tries to host a family-friendly event that appeals to all ages.

“We try to keep the weekend full of free things for the kids to do,” she said.

However, she says it will be a challenge to continue the event.

“Once we pay all the bills and we know where we are financially after this year, we will have to make a decision,” she said.

Jerry Michael said whatever the future holds for the festival, this year’s version will be worth attending.

“It will still be a lot of fun,” he said. “The food is great. It’s a really good place to come to.”

For an event schedule, visit https://shorturl.at/MBQmG and scan the QR code.

Leave a message for Alan Ashworth at 330-996-3859 or email him at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @newsalanbeaconj or Facebook at www.facebook.com/alan.newsman.