The fairgrounds of the Fête des loges, a large fair organized every summer in the forest of Saint-Germain-en-Laye (Yvelines), expressed their misunderstanding Sunday after the decision made Friday to cancel the event, old more of three centuries. This decision "little motivated and not supported at all, is not accompanied by any aid measure" towards the fairground companies "already very weakened" by the health crisis, said the fairgrounds in a press release.
The mayor of Saint-Germain-en-Laye Arnaud Péricard (DVD) decided Friday to cancel the funfair, the 368th edition of which was to be held from June 26 to August 16, in view of the “current health context and the recalled restrictions by the Prime Minister ". An incomprehensible decision for the 170 fairground companies of this celebration, "who could be deprived of activity this summer". " Parc Astérix reopens on June 26, the Jardin d'Acclimatation reopened on May 29, Puy-du-Fou opens on June 12," lists Xavier Saguet, former president of the Fête des Loges and owner of two rides.
"All the parks in France are authorized to reopen" , he indignant. The party organized in the forest of Saint-Germain spans ten hectares and has a maximum tonnage of 5,000 people, "an ideal geographic location" , according to the fairground press release. "No mayor of Saint-Germain-en-Laye has canceled the party for 368 years," says Xavier Saguet. The Fête des loges committee requests a meeting with the mayor of Saint-Germain before Monday and, in the event of the cancellation of the event being held, " financial support" from the fairgrounds. "Our city cannot bear sole responsibility for the organization of such an event in such a sensitive context , " said Mayor Arnaud Péricard.
He shared his fears for public health security and the financial risk inherent in organizing such an event in the current context. "The loss could reach 700,000 euros this year due to a reduced format over time as well as the number of fairground attendants present," he added. "An event of this magnitude, in times of crisis, cannot be based on a mayor, alone in the face of issues that fall under another institutional level ," he explained in a press release.
In an open letter, the fairgrounds claim support from the public authorities with "the appointment of a secretary of state for fairground affairs" and "the creation of a solidarity fund" to avoid filing for bankruptcy companies in the sector. Their number is estimated at 5,700 in France and they employ around 50,000 people.
