Although the annual parade and celebration in the park are two popular ways to celebrate Independence Day, many community members have expressed concerns that a crucial element is missing from the festivities.

Jessica Potts, coordinator for the 4th of July in the Park and Car Show, which takes place every year in San Lorenzo Park, is now leading an effort to reestablish a fireworks show next year in King City. She is hosting a planning session tomorrow night, July 22, at 5:30 p.m. at The Grill.

All interested community members are invited to attend.

“People had a great time with the parade and activities in the park this year, but I also heard a lot of talk from those who wanted a fireworks show,” Potts said. “If enough people are willing to step forward and help, we could possibly get something in the works for next year.”

The planning session tomorrow will be used to gauge the interest in the community, by how many individuals show, and also as a brainstorming discussion to see what ideas people have. The first priority will be fundraising efforts and Potts said it will be a yearlong effort.

One idea to raise money is to set-up donation jars in various businesses throughout the city, so people can contribute spare change when available. The hope is that if enough businesses are willing to participate, the donated change would amount to a substantial sum, come next summer.

There is also the idea to plan a Swiss sausage barbecue at some point and hold a fundraiser dinner to raise additional funds. Potts said that in order to put on a decent show, they would need to raise about $20,000 before Independence Day, 2011.

“The reason the fireworks display ended a few years ago was because the funds were simply not there,” Potts said. “The last show took place in 2008 and they were able to raise about $18,000. That is a substantial amount and organizers were not able to get donations the following years.”

In past years, the City has helped pay for the fireworks and to put on the show at the King City Golf Course. But that ended in 2006, when it was cut from the budget due to financial restraints. Sharlene Hughes then worked to keep the show running for two more years, until she was also unable to continue with such a lack of funding.

“You have to do a lot of different fundraisers and events throughout the year in order to raise enough money,” Hughes said. “It takes a lot of work, and I was unable to continue by myself last time. If a committee forms and a good amount of people are interested, I would be more than willing to help again.”

Potts said that in order for the effort to be successful, they cannot rely solely on donations from businesses. Community members will have to get involved and spend time with fundraising events.

“Not only are fireworks a traditional part of our heritage, but it also keeps people in town for the celebration,” Potts said. “If we don't have a show, people will go to another city that does. So then we lose participants in the parade and other activities in the park. That is not good for our economy.”

The City does have an ordinance restricting any citizen from personally setting off fireworks at their residence or elsewhere, due to safety concerns, but nothing against a committee forming to establish a community-wide show. The main hurtle halting the formation of a formal organization is generating interest throughout the community.



For the complete article see the 07-21-2010 issue.

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