On Tuesday night, Shoalhaven councillors will decide whether to support the recommendation to provide the community group with the balance of $15,500.

“This year, the committee believe was the most successful festival with an average of 10,000 to 15,000 in attendance,” council general manager Russ Pigg said on the meeting’s agenda.

“The comments from the community and businesses has been nothing but positive.”

The event cost more than $133,000 and made just over $118,000 including sponsorship and fundraising.

So, how did the budget blow out to that extent?

There was a small increase in the cost of the fireworks – $1000.

“This is due to the relationship the Committee has built with Fireworks Australia since the beginning of the Festival and they provide a display that well exceeds the investment,” Mr Pigg said.

Traffic Management was expensive, increasing more than $3000 from last year. 

“The committee is exploring the possibility of sourcing an alternate supplier at a much more reasonable rate,” Mr Pigg said.

“It is difficult to justify this expense except to say it is a necessity and essential service.”

The stage and entertainment cost considerably more than previous years.

“Increase in this area was significant and considered by the Committee to be well worth the expenditure,” Mr Pigg said.

“Rather than using a truck, which was donated in previous years, along with a much cheaper make shift stage, this year the Committee invested in a special mobile stage that was a much more professional option.”

Entertainer costs increased, having the Eurogliders was an extra expense, nearly double what the committee paid for Dragon the previous year.

Sponsorship fell through. 

Port-a-loo sponsors, and a local restaurant that used to provide shelter didn’t come to the party this year, meaning the committee paid for toilets and a marquee for the event office.