Junction City Commissioners have voted to approve $50,000 in funding for Freedom Fest JC, the Fourth of July celebration being planned downtown July 1-4.
Commissioners approved a motion for the funding at their March 1st meeting, The City will also provide in-kind funding in the form of support such as police, public works and parks, confirmed City Manager Allen Dinkel. He noted that for any in-town kind of event, in this case Freedom Fest, that kind of support is provided. "Because it's all about bringing people into our community. Of course one of our jobs is to provide service for the community."
Dinkel noted that the City used to give money to the July 4th celebration before the 2008-2009 City financial crisis. "As a community we've done so well through COVID, survived. Our sales tax ( revenue ) has grown and it's probably good for the community to celebrate now and then. This is going to be a good place to do it."
The commission heard from Freedom Fest JC Co-Chair Bob Story who noted that bands are being contracted for primarily evening hours and there is a goal to make this a family fun event. He pointed to some of the additional daytime activities, mainly for kids. "Hog Diggity Dogs is the biggest thing that has a hog and it has dogs that perform, they're rescue dogs. They also have two camels that they bring to town."
There also plans to feature a Circus Man that walks around to interact with children and performs a stage show and Ag Puppets, which will be an educational presentation. There will be vendors and fireworks during the celebration as well.
The preliminary budget for the entire celebration has been estimated in the $130,000 to $140,000 range.
The City Commission vote to contribute $50,000 was 4-0 with commissioner Nate Butler abstaining. He is a co-chair for Freedom Fest JC.