Home Antioch Antioch City Council Agrees to $20,000 Pledge to 4th of July Celebration

Antioch City Council Agrees to $20,000 Pledge to 4th of July Celebration

by ECT

On Tuesday, the Antioch City Council approved a $20,000 pledge to the Celebrate Antioch Foundation for the Fourth of July Celebration.

Last year, the city allocated $15,000 which was spent between fireworks and payment to the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds along with in-kind services such as police services which is estimated at $20,475 while public works estimates $8,100.

Councilwoman Monica Wilson asked why this year they were seeking more money than last year.

Ken Turnage, who was representing Celebrate Antioch highlighted it had to do with cost increases.

“The reason was due to the increase in cost while the fundraising they have raised has been the same,” explained Ken Turnage. “We also want to expand the event, more people to come in downtown. We have changed the time of the parade to get more people into the businesses during the day and then get them over to the fairgrounds for the fireworks.”

Wilson said she thought what Celebrate Antioch does is great, but said that if costs continue to go up, at what point does the committee decide what to cut.

“It seemed like last year it was a bit of a struggle to get that money and here we are again this year trying to get that money,” said Wilson.

Turnage agreed it’s been a struggle, but they are trying to get the funds and donations to come in.

Mayor Wade Harper asked what has the foundation raised and what is the goal.

Turnage said they have raised about $23,000 and the total amount they are hoping to raise is $55,000 to cover everything.

IMG_3359Councilman Tony Tiscareno stated it’s important they support the community.

“I personally, as long as we can afford it, I don’t have a problem offering the Celebrate Antioch Foundation the $20,000. That is something I would be willing to do,” said Tiscareno.

Councilwoman Mary Rocha agreed.

“I was in support of the $20,000 for the fire truck that went to the historical society and this is a community event and I understand eventually it will come back to the city with time,” said Rocha.

For more information on Celebration Antioch Foundation and how you can help raise funds for this event, visit their website at www.celebrateantioch.org

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