Morgan Hill
’s historic two-day Independence Day celebrations are in
jeopardy because money that usually arrives from businesses,
citizens and even the city just hasn’t arrived. What has arrived is
the “Firecracker Campaign,” a community-wide effort to bring funds
up to par.
The Fourth of July is in trouble.
Morgan Hill’s historic two-day Independence Day celebrations are in jeopardy because money that usually arrives from businesses, citizens and even the city just hasn’t arrived. What has arrived is the “Firecracker Campaign,” a community-wide effort to bring funds up to par.
“It’s the economy,” said Daryl Manning, president of Independence Day, Inc., an all-volunteer group that produces the event, free of charge to all, every year.
Manning said IDI’s bank account is nearly empty. She said business sponsorships are down as are individual donations from the public; the city’s on-going budget crunch has limited what it normally contributes.
IDI spends more than $80,000 a year on Morgan Hill’s Fourth but, without a big infusion of cash and/or services, the July Fourth of the past will be a memory.
“Our Independence Day events that we all love will not happen, as we know them in 2004, unless you step up now,” Manning said, speaking to citizens and business owners. Events may have to be scaled back or some even canceled if the money can’t be found in time, Manning said.
“We have $12,500 in the bank for this year,” Manning said, “but we started the year owing for last year.”
Three sponsors advanced 2004 money to cover 2003 bills, she said.
“So we are starting at ground zero,” Manning said.
The IDI committee has met with past presidents and others, searching for creative ways to cut expenses. Borrowing equipment instead of renting will be one way; increasing revenues and, especially, increasing attendance at the money making Family Festival held at Community Park between the parade and the fireworks are others.
The up-and-coming band Juz Cuz have signed up to be a sponsor; they’ll also ride in parade with banner saying they’ll appear at the festival to sign autographs and maybe play a beat or two. The San Francisco 49ers Gold Rush girls will also ride in the parade and appear at the festival. The Gold Rush are always a draw and have been generous with their time for Morgan Hill fundraisers.
Though the festivities begin on July 3 with a patriotic sing by school children and an old-fashioned street dance downtown, things really heat up with the parade and fireworks on July 4. A 5-K run and an all-afternoon festival in the park (plus a golf tournament fundraiser the week before) round out the country’s birthday party.
Manning said she and her team will fan out across Morgan Hill trying to track down a dollar here, a dollar there, or more, to make up the shortfall and avoid having to reduce the very expensive fireworks display or scrimp in parade plans. Manning said IDI is looking for $35,000 from businesses and $20,000 from individuals but would take more if people turned out to be extra generous.
The Morgan Hill Fourth of July Parade, at least 110 years old, and the Official 4th of July Parade of Santa Clara County, beat out Redwood City in 2003 and was awarded official ranking as the best parade in Northern California.
Maureen Hunt who, with her husband, Bob, has produced the parade for more than 10 years, said she isn’t giving up hope – or giving an inch in parade preparations.
“We’ll still have a great parade,” said Hunt Monday. “We have a pretty good line up already. Don’t worry, we’ll be marching on ahead.”
IDI has send letters to local businesses asking for sponsorships, which will be acknowledged in the annual colorful program book, and more than 11,000 households will soon get their own letters asking for donations.
Every Friday the Morgan Hill Times will publish a graphic showing the “Firecracker Campaign” progress, as well as an updated sponsor list. Manning encourages volunteering as an alternative to financial support economic realities make donating impossible.
Manning asks the community to think what the Fourth of July would be like without Morgan Hill’s party.
“IDI needs you to help save our local festivities this year,” Manning said.
IDI never considered canceling everything, Manning said.
“Events as we know them may be changed,” she said, “but, with this being the 110th July Fourth celebration, we must not compromise future years.”
Help fund the Fourth of July
Contact Information
• Business sponsors: Rich Gamboa 776-9153 or Jeff Roth at 846-1247
• Individual donors: Rich Gamboa at 776-9513, or mail your check to IDI, PO Box 1776, Morgan Hill, CA 95038.
• Committee members: Daryl Manning, 891-1980.
• Event volunteers: Jennifer Grifall, 778-6770
• Website: www.mhidi.com
Fourth of July celebration details: www.mhidi.com
