The Leland Chamber of Commerce is facing an unprecedented challenge that threatens the continuation of the cherished Leland Wine and Food Festival, a 35-year tradition, and our community's primary fundraising event. After a hiatus due to COVID, and subsequent years of adapting to harbor construction constraints by relocating to The Leland Lodge, our hopes to return to the Leland Harbor were dashed by an unexpected refusal from the Harbor Commission to continue to host this event.

Unfortunately, we will not be able to have a Wine Fest in 2024 due to the limited time allowed to pivot to a different location, and the significant demands this would put on our all-volunteer organization. This decision disrupts a long-standing tradition and jeopardizes funding for numerous community activities and beautification projects that have become integral to our town's character and vibrancy.

The Leland Wine and Food Festival is not just a fun event but the backbone of our community's annual funding program. Given that the village of Leland is not incorporated, it does not have its own tax base to provide many basic amenities. The funds raised from Wine Fest are critical for supporting a wide range of activities, including but not limited to: village beautification and flowers, Independence Day fireworks, holiday lights on Main Street, town marketing and promotion, and essential services such as trash removal. The cost of these activities totals almost $62,000 a year, and have been paid in the past through proceeds from the Wine Fest and Chamber memberships. These events and services, coordinated and executed by dedicated Chamber members and community volunteers, are vital for fostering community spirit and maintaining our town's appeal.

We find ourselves at a pivotal moment, urgently needing to devise a new strategy to ensure these community initiatives can continue without the festival's traditional revenue stream. While we eagerly anticipate the Festival's return in 2025, the absence of its financial support this year presents us with a challenge unlike any before. Our vibrant community initiatives and the spectacular events we cherish are at risk, and we find ourselves in need of your generous support to bridge this gap.

This is a call to action for all who cherish the vibrant community spirit and the Leland Wine and Food Festival tradition. Your support in this challenging time is not just a donation; it's an investment in our town's beauty, unity, and ongoing vitality. We are reaching out for donations and sponsorships to navigate through this temporary setback with resilience and determination. Every contribution, big or small, will pave the way for our continued success and the return of our cherished festival and fundraiser. You can easily donate by clicking the 'donate' button, sending a check to the Leland Chamber of Commerce at PO Box 741, Leland, MI 49654, or contributing through our GoFundMe page, "Keep our chamber afloat," organized by our Treasurer, Casey Plamondon.