The only thing I would comment is I'm not familiar with why they wouldn't receive funding. I don't see why they wouldn't. But the point is, as a free event they need to be supported. If they're having that economical impact, they should be supported in a big way. If they're having that kind of effect in the community in drawing people in, they should be funded.
On April 29th, 2014. See this statement in context.