The Baldwin County Commission on Tuesday may rechannel $9,000 previously allotted to the Bay Minette Air Experdition to the annual Christmas Fest after cancellation of the air show due to internal conflicts among organizers.

Margo Allen, executive director of the North Baldwin Chamber of Commerece of Commerce, asked the Commission for the transfer to fund publicity costs for the 26th annual Christmas Fest, slated Dec. 5-6 on courthouse square.

“If these funds were made available for authorized expenditures, the business community and festival goers would greatly benefit from a much more publicized and funded effort,” Allen stated in a letter to commissioners.

Christmas Fest showcases the North Baldwin Community and spurs the Christmas buying season, Allen said.

“The economic development ramifications of this event for the North Baldwin community are, to say the least, far reaching,” Allen said. “The Christmas Fest is a chance for businesses and residents to grow partnerships and build new relationships in our community.”

The Commission authorized $9,000 from contingency funds Sept. 2 for the air show. On Sept. 25, Allen notified the Commission that the event had been canceled  due to “irreconcilable differences between the Bay Minette Airport Authority, the city and Bay Minette Aviation.”

In October 2007, the Commission allocated $15,000 to the chamber for the expedition, which organizers said was a success.