JULIE BERTRAND/Independent reporter
While shoppers crowded most of the Main Street businesses open on June 18, the day’s pouring rain stopped West Coast Amusements employees (W.C.A.) from operating the rides until late in the afternoon.
Poor attendance on Saturday and Sunday has the company reconsidering its Stettler dates.
“The carnival part of Crazy Daze did not go well. Let’s face it. We can do so many things but we cannot change the weather,” said Andrea Hatch, member of the Stettler Downtown Business Association.
“West Coast Amusements are re-evaluating what they want to do for next year. We will see what materializes between now and November, whether they come back next year.”
This year’s low attendance is not the only factor in W.C.A.’s decision.
“We only get half a unit. We don’t get all the rides. The rest of the rides are split and go somewhere else,” said Hatch.
“West Coast Amusements would like to have their full unit in one location, which makes sense.”
Hatch is disappointed by W.C.A.’s reaction.
“This is ridiculous because last year, we had one the highest attendance records. We set a record last year for us,” she explained.
“Moreover, Sunday is always quiet here and the West Coast Amusements people don’t understand that.”
The company will notify the Stettler Downtown Business Association of its decision in November.
“Maybe we’re going to have to look at Crazy Daze and come up with new ideas,” said Hatch.
“I’d like Crazy Daze to go back to its community-oriented roots. We had bed races and lots of stuff like that. I’d like to see some of that come back.