Chautauqua has been an event that has entertained and enriched Daviess County for more than 30 years. Many have stories to tell about the flea market, the 5k, the artists, or the entertainment they experienced at Chautauqua past. The fall festival in Gallatin unites the community just as family time unites families.
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Sadly, after all these years of strengthening this community, the annual Chautauqua teeters on the verge of disruption, perhaps even extinction.
On April 6 the Daviess County Arts Council, whose members hosted Chautauqua events and activities in recent years, decided as a group not to continue shouldering this responsibility. This decision was based not on any feeling that Chautauqua should end; council leadership is involved in the community but now have other personal obligations.
For the last several months an effort to reach out to others who would continue the fall festival tradition was made. Efforts to this point have been fruitless.
Mary Hacking, one the leaders of the Arts Council, says “All of us at the DCAC have enjoyed being part of this great event. Daviess County is a wonderful place to live and there are many amazing people here. It has been a ton of fun putting on this great event for all of our friends and neighbors.
“I hope that someone will feel it in their heart, just as I did in 2014, that they don’t want to see Chautauqua end.” Mrs. Hacking continued, “Daviess County needs Chautauqua, but it is time for me to pass on this torch or sadly, if need be, I will have to set it down and let the flame die. I hate to see that happen.”
There are many resources available to anyone willing to take the lead in hosting Chautauqua 2017. There are financial resources, a website, and people willing to help with the individual events. All that is needed is for someone to take the lead.
Any party interested in continuing Chautauqua is urged to call Mrs. Hacking at 660.605.2735.