In February, the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism launched a competitive grant program to help communities across the commonwealth celebrate the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Seventeen communities were selected. Easthampton was one of them. That matters.
Our city was awarded $100,000 to create a public watch party, live music showcase, and community festival at Millside Park this summer. But this wasn’t a handout, and it wasn’t automatic. The state did not fund every applicant. Communities were chosen based on vision, community impact, and a credible plan to execute. Easthampton stood out because we made a compelling case that this city, its artists, breweries, restaurants, and public spaces deserve a moment on a larger stage.
Still… I understand that questions have been raised. That’s part of the process. Scrutiny from the City Council isn’t an obstacle; it’s a necessary part of responsible governance. But it’s important to separate perception from reality.
First and most importantly: this event will cost the city’s General Fund nothing. That point cannot be overstated, especially given the financial context we are in. Easthampton is facing a serious budget deficit, and conversations about the coming override are ongoing and difficult. Every dollar matters. That is exactly why pursuing this grant made sense. This is $100,000 coming into Easthampton, not going out of it.
The required match for the grant is not being funded by taxpayers. It is being met through in-kind contributions from local partners and businesses. Spencer Lavoie and 4Life Entertainment, an Easthampton-based company, have committed $100,000 in goods and services to support the event, meeting our match requirement. Additional sponsorships, vendor participation, and community contributions are actively being secured to further strengthen the financial structure.
No General Fund dollars. No override funds. No hidden costs.
Second, on transparency: some concerns have been raised about the timing of sharing the grant application and budget details. That delay was not about withholding information. It was about ensuring that what was shared was complete and accurate. At the time requests were made, key elements were still being finalized. Presenting partial or evolving information can create more confusion than clarity.
But beyond the process, it’s worth stepping back and asking a more fundamental question: what is this event actually about?
At its core, this isn’t a government program. It’s a community moment.
This summer, Millside Park will host four evenings of activity tied to the World Cup. Local musicians will perform on the bandshell and be paid professional stipends for their work. Easthampton artists will have a platform. Local breweries are being invited to serve their products to thousands of visitors. Food trucks and vendors from our community will have the opportunity to generate some of their strongest sales of the season.
We are also working with Easthampton High School to highlight student achievement, including the state champion “We the People” team, and to connect the event to the 250th anniversary of American independence. This is about more than soccer. It is about culture, history, and local pride.
This is Easthampton showing itself, to our neighbors, to the region, and to visitors who may not yet know what this city has to offer.
There is also an economic reality that should not be ignored. If we choose not to move forward with this project, the funding will not be repurposed locally. It goes away. The $100,000 grant exists specifically for this initiative. Declining to proceed means forfeiting that investment and the economic activity it would generate.
In a time of fiscal strain, that is not a neutral decision. It’s a choice to leave resources and opportunity on the table.
None of this means the project should move forward without oversight. It should be examined carefully. The finances should be verified. The agreements should be clear. That is all appropriate, and I’m committed to ensuring that every question is answered. If this event costs the General Fund nothing and is a boost to local businesses, artists, and community organizations, then it’s worth supporting. Not for any one office or individual, but for the people who stand to benefit from it.
For the musicians who need paid opportunities to perform.
For the breweries and restaurants that rely on a strong summer season.
For the small vendors who depend on foot traffic.
For the students who deserve to see their achievements celebrated.
And for residents who should have the chance to experience something vibrant and memorable right in their own city.
Easthampton competed for this grant. We earned it. The state recognized something in this community worth investing in. Now the question is simple: do we embrace that opportunity, or do we give it back?
Salem Derby is the mayor of Easthampton.