These are reasonable concerns to have; however, doing away with the festival is not the answer.
Apple Chill should be a celebration of local arts that can be enjoyed by the entire community and those who visit Chapel Hill from across the state. Last year, 44,000 people came out to participate in Apple Chill.
If locals are driven away from their own festival, there could be room for improvement. But I doubt it's just the noise, traffic and costs that residents cite for the lack of local turnout.
Yes, Apple Chill does cause traffic delays -- it is dealt with as best as possible, but the gridlock is somewhat inevitable. One day of traffic doesn't seem like a reason to abolish the festival.
Nor does noise. Yes, local bands that perform at Apple Chill probably do play rather loudly. But the bands are making music for the residents -- not "noise."
Suggesting that Apple Chill be abolished because it is costing the town money is ridiculous. The town budget should allow for a local festival where locals and visitors alike can enjoy what Chapel Hill has to offer.
But I wonder if the complaints of traffic, noise and cost might be scapegoats for the real reason locals no longer show up for the 30-year-old festival.
Apple Chill recently has attracted a large, racially diverse crowd to Chapel Hill, that participates in an impromptu "rally" when the sun goes down. Participants have dubbed the event "After Chill." Last year, more than 80 motorcycles lined West Franklin Street. Some might say it's as if the Myrtle Beach strip moved to Franklin Street.
It's not surprising Chapel Hill residents might be turned off by the crowd, but it is disappointing. The festival has the potential to unite the community and celebrate the town's art and culture.
