Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce Chairwoman Jean C. Poth was among those who ignored pleas to use free shuttle buses last year. Poth is vice president of institutional advancement at Northern Essex Community College and executive director of the Northern Essex Community College Foundation.
Haverhill Mayor James J. Fiorentini.
Haverhill Mayor James J. Fiorentini said he is happy organizers of the annual KidsFest event are finally listening to critics.
“I think it is a great thing that they’ve moved downtown and am very happy they listened to all of us,” Fiorentini told WHAV Thursday.
What is now being called “KidsArtFest” takes place from 1 to 5 p.m., Saturday, May 2, in the state-designated Riverfront Cultural District. Last year, the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce came under fire for moving the event out of downtown and out of reach for many inner city children.
Then-chamber Chairwoman Clare A. Macoul, incoming Chairwoman Jean C. Poth and former paid President Sven Amirian did not respond to an offer to identify a transportation solution when it was presented to them by a city official.
Coppola School Bus Company owner Nelson Blinn stepped up with a plan to provide insured transportation, but chamber board members, staff and sponsors refused to acknowledge the donation.
It’s great they brought kidsfest back to downtown. But we must understand that Haverhill is very expansive and there are kids throughout the city who are challenged by traveling not just near the downtown area. So why not have the bus service still and set up pick up and drop off stops along the major routes like 110 towards methuen, 97 towards methuen, 110 towards merrimac, ect ???? It’s a long walk from the Methuen line too !
Where’s the Oktoberfest band
The KidsFest event belongs downtown. I agree with the Mayor; it is refreshing that Chamber representatives listened to the remarks of those who attend such events.