A local organizer says there's still hope for the Sears Drama Festival in Chatham-Kent after the losing its title sponsor.
Devin Pearson is a teacher at John McGregor Secondary School and the co-convener of the annual drama festival in Chatham-Kent. Pearson says Sears has sponsored the festival for 71 years, and is confident the show will still go on.
"It's not cancelled, it's just going through a transition. We were prepared -- anticipating it actually. We knew that Sears was going to possibly stop funding the sponsorship, explains Pearson.
Pearson says Chatham-Kent hosted the provincial showcase in May and will continue on with the next local showcase in February 2018.
"We're not exactly sure what the festival will be named. They are actively seeking another sponsor to take over the festival. We have been encouraged locally to continue with the district festival. Hopefully, very soon, we will be able to make an announcement," he explains.