MAYVILLE — Following a lengthy discussion with its board, sponsors and some ticket holders, the leader of the Chautauqua Lake Pops outdoor concert series announced Thursday the group could not find a path toward success with continuing the program in Mayville.
Citing issues brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors, the Chautauqua Lake Pops noted the lack of support it has received.
“The damage and lack of support continues to be very concerning to us,” said Chautauqua Lake Pops Founder Dan Dalpra in a statement. “We do not see an opportunity for cooperation, trust and financial support at this time with the existing participants. The COVID pandemic has also caused us financial and social setbacks.”
The Chautauqua Lake Pops originally operated out of Bemus Point for their first 18 years of existence, but moved to Mayville in 2019, prompting the rebrand to its current name. Moving on signifies the end of the contract the group originally signed in Mayville, which paid $1 for the first two years and then in the third year the entertainment venue would pay $2 per ticket sold for the first 2,000 tickets and then $1 per ticket had they sold beyond that.
Dalpra said this is not the end of the Chautauqua Lake Pops. The group will continue to look for a new location with an aim of keeping on Chautauqua Lake. Dalpra noted, however, the Pops would also look for a regional move.
In the statement Thursday, Dalpra said the group was thankful for the support they have received. “We are very thankful to our sponsors, ticket holders, volunteers and dedicated staff who supported us in this effort,” he said. “They deserve better and hopefully we will be able to return to that era of bringing the arts to the people in a cooperative family environment.”
The move out of Mayville is something Dalpra said he began to anticipate last year. “We still believe that the Pops has the potential to provide significant benefit to the village, but we are not willing to continue our efforts in the environment that has existed during the initial term of the licensing agreement,” said Dalpra. “We are willing to consider a new arrangement with the village, but as of now, the Pops intends to re-evaluate its options. We are extremely disappointed by this outcome.”
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