The Port Dover Marine Heritage Festival, which has been held in late June for the past few years, may not happen this year.

Port Dover Harbour Museum curator and festival organizer Ian Bell told the Port Dover Board of Trade meeting last week that the weekend festival has over $22,000 in expenses. Much of that cost is raised through public and corporate donations as well as fees for events. However, there is usually a $6,000 to $7,000 shortfall. In past years, a government grant had helped stage the festival. A request by Mr. Bell to Norfolk County for funding was recently turned down by councillors.

The event attracts hundreds of 1812 era re-enactors who set up an encampment in Silver Lake Park and stage a mock battle on the beach. A tall ship is also in the harbour for the weekend. The re-enactors have been called a “great draw in the community” that bring visitors to town.

Mr. Bell says he has “just enough energy” to co-ordinate the festival’s events based on past year’s programs but that he does not have the time to also co-ordinate a larger fundraising effort.

The curator noted that the time to organize the events is getting short and some way to raise the extra money would have to be found soon if the festival was to go ahead. Mr. Bell felt the festival could return as commuities organize events recognizing the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812.