October 11th, 2024 by WCBC Radio

The Cumberland Historic Cemetery Organization is looking for both clarity and inclusion with the annual Heritage Days Festival.  CHCO President Ed Taylor, Jr has visited both the Cumberland City Council and Allegany County Commissioners to find out who actually runs the festival since it receives public funding.  He says his request is simple – that everyone taking part has a voice…

“Every organization that’s a part of that festival should have a seat at the table. They should have several meetings at least six months before the event. That’s what we used to do back years ago. And to plan, know what’s going on, be part of it, be helpful. I’m for every long-standing group – now if some group just comes in – hey, you know we want to be part of it, that’s okay but groups that have been part of it for a long time, they should have a permanent place at the table.”

The group specifically wants Peggy Keene, a CHCO member to be on the committee.  She says she would also like other groups to have a voice in the festival planning…

“I think if you involve all the different groups that are out there, that we could come up with a – not that you have not been successful, but I think that we could make this a very, very good festival. We could be standing up there with all the rest of the good festivals that are around here.”