Art McKenna has never been to the Marda Gras Street Festival in Marda Loop, but that didn’t stop him from stepping up at the last minute to save the event.
With his title sponsorship, the festival can continue for its 25th year.
“We live and die on community support,” said McKenna, who owns Oasis Greens and Calgary Family Golf Centres. “I thought I would … help them out.”
McKenna said supporting the festival is no different from supporting a charity golf tournament.
He said they will add a hole-in-one putting challenge, with the proceeds going towards the Calgary Homeless Foundation.
The Marda Loop Revitalization Zone had been struggling to get the required $20,000 to hold the festival.
Bernadette Geronazzo, executive director of the Marda Loop BRZ, said more than 20 businesses in the area also stepped up. The festival will be held Aug. 9.
