The Gadfly is a series of letters offering commentary on local issues and published in the Warrensburg Gazette.

Hidden in a printed report of a recent Greater Warrensburg Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center (GWACC&VC) board meeting was the comment about the weekend of the Whiteman air show. The report said, “The Chamber will look at hosting some sort of public event in Warrensburg the weekend of the show to draw folks into town.”

May I humbly suggest … the 3rd Annual Blind Boone Music and Culture Festival. Yes, Warrensburg, there is an established festival that just happens to be scheduled on the prime Saturday of the air show, June 14. Musicians representing many musical genres have already committed their talents, a play and book fair have been scheduled, state legislators have been invited to attend and civic groups have been asked to set up food booths.

To be fair, the GWACC&VC has supported the Blind Boone Park restoration and the festival. That’s why I was surprised and somewhat dismayed by their desire to set up a new local event when they already have an established one to complement the air show; did they just forget?

I’d suggest the GWACC&VC step forward with some of its tourism tax money, gained from taxing the visitors to Warrensburg’s motels and bed & breakfasts, and help promote the Blind Boone Music and Culture Festival. To do so would be a step toward fulfilling the promise made to the voters when the room tax was passed: to develop & promote tourism.