Dear Editor:

As one of the last members of the Dash family, I am puzzled by the decision of the Chamber of Commerce to “outsource” the sponsorship of Windjammer Days.

When Captains David and Marion Dash brought to fruition the dream of seeing a fleet of schooners on parade in Boothbay Harbor, they did so with the idea of increasing Boothbay area commerce.

The annual event has become a “signature” feature of the tourist season. The members of the Chamber have reaped the benefits of the event for 51 years.

To see the Dash Family Fund cannibalized in as short a time as two years is a real possibility. It is the members of the Chamber of Commerce themselves who profit from the increase in tourist and community presence during the event. It is featured on website and brochures.

I urge the Chamber of Commerce to carefully consider the consequences of not funding the hand that feeds it.

Robert W. Dash
East Boothbay and
Stockton, Calif.