Springdale Chamber Chokes the Chicken

There was no joy in Chickendale last night. Brian Moore, incoming chairman of the Springdale Chamber of Commerce, announced the end of Featherfest at the annual banquet last night before 800 well-fed members. Springdale Chamber President and CEO Perry Webb said the Chamber made the decision to discontinue Featherfest, the city's premier cultural festival, because of declining attendance and revenue over the past few years. Hmmm, and perhaps the changing demographics of those employed in poultry processing?

Springdale Alderman Bobby Stout said that was the first time he had heard Featherfest was cancelled. “It concerns me that it’s not going to be held,” he said. “It’s the kind of thing, you know, that for a weekend, people could come in and see and participate in Springdale.” Stout has fought to preserve the character of Springdale by opposing the new sign ordinance, but he could not save Featherfest when the Chamber decided to dump it and pursue high tech jobs for the future.

Oh, somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright,
Mariachi bands are playing, and somewhere hearts are light,
And somewhere hombres are laughing, and little ninos shout;
But there is no joy in Springdale — the mighty Chicken was kicked out.