The annual Bourne Scallop Festival, which is hosted by the Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber of Commerce, will drop "Bourne" from its name next year and move to the Cape Cod Fairgrounds in East Falmouth.

The Chamber, which serves the towns of Wareham, Bourne, and Sandwich, announced the decision on October 16.

Chamber members said in a statement that infrastructure in Buzzards Bay Park became difficult to maintain as the festival, which just wrapped up its 44th year, continued to grow.

“It’s been a distinct challenge to build the infrastructure needed at Buzzards Bay Park,” said John LaFlamme, Chair of the Scallop Fest Task Force, noting that the festival uses a "massive tent with electrical and plumbing and other various buildings and tents."

"The overall cost to set up the Fest tops $100,000 before we open. In addition, it takes several days to set up and break down the grounds. "The Cape Cod Fairgrounds is a viable option to help the Chamber manage the Fest." LaFlamme said.

Proceeds from the festival, which typically attracts 50,000 people per year, help fund the Chamber's scholarship program for Wareham, Bourne, and Sandwich students. The event also raises money for area food pantries, the Bourne Council on Aging, and visitor centers in Bourne. Chamber members said the event would continue to support those causes.

The announcement stung area business owners, noted Onset Bay Association President Eleanor Martin.

"I'm shocked that they're doing that," said Martin, "and the business owners here and in Bourne are not going to sit still for it."

Martin said her phone has not stopped ringing with people upset about the news.

The Onset Bay Association is made up of area businesses and residents who work to promote the village.

Marie Oliva, president and CEO of the Chamber, acknowledged that the plan has gotten mixed reviews.

"Many of our business members support the move and a few have not," she said. "As a nonprofit, we have to make decisions similar to small businesses on how to best operate. We appreciate all the feedback and hope in time people will understand and appreciate the dilemma we were in."

The Chamber noted that the fairgrounds is built to accommodate such large events and has buildings to house the festivals Arts & Craft Show, as well as a hatch shell for entertainment and more room for visitors.

Oliva said that weather has also caused headaches for organizers.

"After 14 years of managing the Fest, we have experienced numerous weather issues including flooding of the kitchen and craft areas and tents coming down due to gusty winds," Oliva said. "The overall risk and liability of these tents have become untenable."

The Chamber members said that the Board of Directors spent "considerable time and effort" exploring various locations to move the Scallop Festival. "It concluded that the Cape Cod Fairgrounds provided the best venue to operate a safe and quality event."

Chamber president and CEO Marie Oliva submitted a list of "fast facts" about the change. Read it by clicking the link below!