Citing a lack of funding and sponsors, California State University, Stanislaus announced that this year’s Fantastic Fourth celebration has been canceled due to the difficult economic times. The annual event has been a Fourth of July tradition for the past 24 years and has attracted over 200,000 people to the University campus.
Fantastic Fourth, which has featured a fireworks show, concert in the University Amphitheatre, and activities for children, costs more than $50,000 to produce, according to CSU Stanislaus officials.
CSU Stanislaus spokesperson Kristin Olsen said, “We regret having to cancel such a popular program, but there just isn’t enough money or personnel to support the event. We may bring Fantastic Fourth back next year in conjunction with the University’s 50th Anniversary, but our ability to do so will depend on the level of community support and sponsorships.”
CSU Stanislaus’ decision to cancel this year’s Fantastic Fourth comes on the heels of announcements in a number of other communities all over the country that their fireworks programs are being cancelled due to the economic downturn. Officials of the San Jose America Festival that features a fireworks show recently announced their program was being cancelled, and the City of Stockton has indicated it may have to cancel its event unless sponsors are located very soon.
Stanislaus County Fireworks Celebration
The Stanislaus County Parks and Recreation Department are planning on throwing the biggest party in the county again as this year’s Countywide Fireworks Celebration presentation is tentatively scheduled to be heard by the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, May 19, 2009.
Margarita D. Ramos, Deputy Director Stanislaus County Parks and Recreation, said “Should the Board approve to move forward with the event, the Fireworks Celebration will take place at Woodward Reservoir on July 4, 2009. The show is scheduled to start at approximately 9:15 p.m.”
Last year’s countywide fireworks show was attended by approximately 60,000 people while the Stanislaus County Police Activity League (PAL) provided recreation activities beginning at noon.
This year’s Firework Celebration may also include a private beach party hosted by the Stanislaus County Parks and Recreation Commission.
At the Stanislaus County Parks and Recreation Commission meeting held on April 9, 2009, a proposal was made to request the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors’ approval to hold the party and then plan to seek sponsors for the main event.
Proposed sponsorship packages may include ad space on countywide distributed posters for the event, banners at the entrance of Woodward Reservoir, and admission to a private VIP Beach Party on a limited access beach with a waterfront view of the Fireworks Celebration.
Other than the sponsorships, ticket sales to the private event are being proposed.
“Nothing is official yet, although the commission has approved the idea and I think it is a great way to support one of the best fireworks shows in the area (maybe one of the only ones now),” said Stanislaus County Parks and Recreation Commissioner David (DJ) Fransen. “If the Board of Supervisors approve, we will definitely have a fun time at the beach with many families and friends while sponsors will have the opportunity to network regionally.”
For more information, contact Margarita D. Ramos, Deputy Director Stanislaus County Parks and Recreation at 209-525-6771 or DJ Fransen at 209-678-7759.
Turlock Downtown 4th of July Parade
Turlock Downtown Property Owners Association is still planning on hosting the 4th of July downtown parade this year.
The parade, that used to be held a long time ago, was brought back in 2007. The event also included a car show and vendors.
The 2007 event was such a success that vendors, participants, car show entries, and attendees began asking if it was going to be held every year. The event was continued in 2008 and grew from the first year while becoming much more successful in terms of vendors, car show entries, and parade entries.
The 2009 4th of July parade will take place in the morning (as the others have), include a car show and vendors.
The event may be called the American Legion Patriotic Parade as the American Legion may be a major partner with Turlock Downtown.
Parade entry forms, sponsorship packages, and vendor applications will be available early to mid May. Information and details will be available soon at www.turlockdowntown.com
