I was very hopeful and excited to attend the inaugural Seafood Festival this past Saturday in downtown Plymouth. I like to support events that bring good food, fun and a boost to local tourism. However, the Festival was a total waste of time and a lot of money. Having worked on organizational gatherings for much of my career, I have to say that this Festival was one of the most poorly planned and executed events I have ever attended.
Though you could purchase tickets online to gain entry into the food tents, one had to go through another sequence of having your ticket read, processed and then obtaining a paper bracelet. The lines for each tent meant waiting a half hour or more to get a measly six oysters at one tent after paying $39.00 for them and two other portions of lobster and clam chowder.
There was also no seating once you finally got your food. After viewing what would be another 30 minute wait at the other tents, and having eaten little for breakfast, since I anticipated filling up on seafood at the Festival, I and my companions decided to get seafood at a harborside restaurant instead. So now I’m out $78.00 for tickets to the Festival and another $43.00 for lunch.
I’m left with two unhappy conclusions: 1) I will never attend any event in downtown Plymouth again where large crowds are expected to wait in line for service, and I will not pay in advance for an event such as this Festival without assessing the value of what, and how much, is given for my money. The town leaders should have asked a lot more questions about how the Festival would be organized and managed before granting them a permit.
– Janet Serman