On The Use And Overuse Of “Fest” . . .

But really, “Members Spring Fest” sounds more like spam email than anything else:

A decision by the Prospect Park Alliance to rename its annual “Family Day” event is drawing criticism from those who say the new name, “Members Spring Fest,” represents a frivolous bow to political correctness.

“Family Day,” an annual event organized by the Prospect Park Alliance for its members, features carousel rides, pedal boats, and tours of the park’s Audubon Center.

A senior vice president of the Prospect Park Alliance, Robyn Bellamy, who approved the name change, said dropping the “family” from the event’s title was intended as an attempt to boost attendance by conveying to single people, seniors, and other members that they were welcome. A recent postcard mailed to neighbors announcing “Members Spring Fest” reads in parentheses, “formerly known as Family Day.” “We look at our membership base, which is the public, and it includes young people who just moved in, families who have been here for awhile or are new, seniors — it really runs the gamut of ages and interests,” Ms. Bellamy said in an interview. “We’re still offering the same event in the spring but letting people know that it’s really for all members.”