Of the 390,000 people that attended, 159,280 were paid admissions, according to Witz. The remainder consisted of festival patrons who received complimentary admissions for a number of reasons or who participated in community outreach such as Autism Days, The Zumbathon or the 5k run sponsored by Priority Health.

It was free on Friday before 5pm, and $3 on other days before 5pm so the greater majority didn't pay $5.

Actually twenty percent was pretty good. Not included is all the "comps" given to VIP's (very important politicians), and those who received promotional give aways.
What is disgusting is the almost two million dollars purported to run the event, the not totally recouped one hundred thousand dollar ransom taxpayers had to lay out through the city and the DDA all compared to the total charitable benefit. Do not forget we will never know how much of the event's costs were covered by major sponsors such as Ford, or how many involved including our own who lost their shirt during those four days while others broke the bank and can't wait to do it again next year. There is an alternative, see my Patch blog on AB&E remedies and an alternative.

YUP T, its the "Music Man" accompied by 76 helicopters and as many police coming to Royal Oak, and this is going to happen every year? This reminds of young Woody Allen in Annie Hall living under the rollercoster in Coney Island.

Amen!!! This is a great event for Royal Oak & brings so many people to see our community & helps so many charities. I love it, can't wait for next year.

If you have read the latest Patch post Jason you would know RO demographics have been altered by an influx of negative"blue meanies" no longer upholding family values such as fifteen dollar parking. Anyway if we were as poor as the city of Pontiac Mr.Witz would have skipped over Royal Oak as well. We are so lucky! If only the upcoming milages could be made as much fun as Arts, Beats and Eats.

George I get what you mean, but just to have the money go for the "government" well is just plain crazy. If it goes into the general fund it can be used for defraying costs enabling more financial abuse, not that I am insinuating any abuse (ahem).
Thankyou! Thankyou! Thankyou! for pointing out the petite bribery of elected and a few appointed officials. What does Royal Oak stand for if not "Reciprocity"?
As the old saying goes, "its not about the money, its the money".
As for public officials being under the influence tell me something new. It will take more than a glass ethics ordinance and an oath, or affirmation to stop it. What we need is some kind of breathalyzer that detects dishonesty to be blown into before every meeting.

The downtown is a community asset and (just like the Farmer's Market or municipal parking lots) the city should be paid for its use. Many observer's have opined that Royal Oak is a much more attractive location than Pontiac and is major factor in the AB&E's improved attendance. The city should share in that success, just as retail landlords have leases with adjustable rent agreements based on tenant revenue. The better the location, the higher the rent.

However, Royal Oak gives the downtown away for free and must try and earn a profit by running parking lots. I think that is just too risky, especially with the city's current financial position.

My first question is were you employed by Jon Witz in any position? I have no problem with Jon Witz, and to read my full opinion check my blog spot Arts Beats and Eats, remedies, an an alternative.
I strongly disagree that the city should NOT benefit. Hundreds of volunteers went out of their way to donate their time and sweat to make this a success;
I do have a few problems with any specific church, synagogue, or mosque receiving a blanket contribution, without a named goal or cause. Schools I can understand as long as they are NOT private schools. Beneficiaries may have a religious, or private affiliation but the money given should be applied for the benefit of all in need.
In that spirit, I believe volunteers, and citizens who had to put up being "occupied" under an albeit mild marshall law should receive some recompense in the form of a tangable improvement to their city such as a dowtown park improvement, a splash pad, something! When a world's fair, an Olympics leaves there is always something left behind. Is is too much for the city to set aside part of the parking, or admission, or beverage sales for us?
Now that would be something "good" and inclusive for the ENTIRE city. By the way without Ford Motor and other sponsors, and vendors Mr. Witz could not have covered the almost two million dollars in expenses! And for all those who vounteered making this a huge success for charity, as well as for Mr.Witz personally a little more than a thankyou is in order.