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Most area festivals largely free of government financial support

At last month’s meeting, the Mathews County Board of Supervisors turned down a request to fund the entire $682 in liability insurance costs for this weekend’s Tour de Chesapeake, instead making a $300 donation to the tour.

A quick survey found that other area festivals are largely independent of government support.

Cricket Call, co-chair of the Gwynn’s Island Festival, said liability costs for the annual event are covered under the regular insurance carried by the Gwynn’s Island Civic League, which sponsors the festival.

The Guinea Jubilee pays for its own insurance, as well, said organizer Tara Thomas. She said it’s always been a matter of pride with the event’s committee that “we take care of what we need to take care of.”

The Jubilee started as a way of recognizing watermen’s heritage, said Thomas, and Chuck Davis of Plaza Pharmacy was instrumental in organizing it. For a long time, the jubilee received support from the Abing...

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