Street Fairs Back to Business?

Street fair production company Mort and Ray Productions was the subject of a recent Crain's New York Business article about the impact of post-September 11 security concerns on street festivals. Run by Mort Berkowitz, the company saw the five remaining street fairs scheduled after September 11 canceled due to security concerns, causing a $25,000 loss in "nonrefundable expenses." The loss included the re-payment of fair expenses Berkowitz made well in advance of the fair dates, compounded by the loss in profits he would have earned from fees such as vendor booths that typically range from $140 to $200 each. Because many vendors now lack the cash they typically would use to pre-pay Berkowitz for spring fairs, he doesn't foresee his financial situation improving very soon. And considering the burden of higher event insurance costs, Berkowitz might have to rely on his side-business for income: making political buttons.

Posted 03.13.02

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