Last week, The Forum reported on the cancellation of the 36th Annual Family Festival at the Ave Maria Academy/ Our Lady of Grace Parish. Despite being forced to cancel the opening, residents and parishioners are breathing a sigh of relief after learning the event will take place instead from August 21st through the 25th.
The article also discussed the fact that the Diocese would launch a suit against Big Ben’s Midway, the company who was originally hired to operate the ride concession at the festival. The proprietor, according to festival organizers who are in possession of a signed contract, is in breech of the agreement and legally liable for costs the school and parish incurred as part of promoting the festival as well as retainer fees for entertainment and vendors in addition to a host of other costs.
After a discussion held with the pastor of OLG, Fr. Tony Rucando, The Forum was informed that it is the parish and the school that will pursue a lawsuit against the operator if necessary. “Obviously we would like to spare the need togo to court,” Fr. Rucando told The Forum. “If the operator satisfies his obligation and covers our costs than we will have reached an amicable solution. If we are forced to pursue those costs legally then we will have to rely on legal recourse.”
But Fr. Rucando maintains there was a very valuable lesson taken away from the whole negative experience. “The people who worked so tirelessly to put this thing together in the first place could have easily said ‘Fr. Let’s forget it until next year,’” said the priest. “But instead they redoubled their efforts to make it happen for the church, the school and this community.” Fr. Rucando says he has faith the community will be there in full force, along with him, to make this a great event.
By Patricia Adams
