When it comes to Fredonia, perception is perhaps a lot of reality. With the announcement this week that the Farm Festival will not take place this summer, it is apparent it is overly tough to work with those in Village Hall.

How can leaders and employees somehow do so much to damage a reputation with volunteers that one of the most successful events will not happen? The fact the festival will not take place is not exactly a surprise to anyone who has volunteered for the event or through Festivals Fredonia.

Mark Mackey, who chaired the event for seven years, said last July that despite his efforts, he was tired of meeting with the village and going through hoops that ultimately brought 30,000 individuals to a successful three-day happening. “Last year is when I really started to keep track of my hours and how much I’m volunteering,” he said before resigning. “I put in 1,087 hours of volunteer time to the Farm Festival (in 2022). This year I’m over 750 (hours) already. People think I get paid for this, and I don’t. It’s all volunteer.”

Still on the table is a vendor law that is in no way friendly to those who are hoping to bring crowds to downtown to support a number of businesses. It was discussed at the Planning Board and by all accounts is overly contentious.

Fredonia is in a downward spiral. Its university is struggling. School is closing due to a lack of staff. The water system is deteriorating. Festivals are being canceled.

Mayor Michael Ferguson vowed to bring a new spirit of cooperation to the village. By the looks of the first two months, there is still plenty of work to be done.

Perception remains reality. Fredonia is its own worst enemy.