Council Approves Citizen Effort to Celebrate July 4th, 2012
By Allen Payton, Publisher
July 4th fireworks are in the city’s future next year if a citizens committee can raise the necessary funds to make them a reality, now that they have the support of the City Council.
At the meeting of September 13, the Council approved the effort to host a privately-funded July 4th celebration in downtown Antioch, including fireworks, a parade, car show, live entertainment and a kids area, next year.
The committee, made up of local business owners and community leaders including two school board members, and the wives of two of the council members, began work on the effort this past summer.
But, they wanted the Council’s blessing to move forward, before raising the estimated $65,000 to pay for all the costs, including city staff time, and to direct staff to coordinate with the committee.
Now the effort has begun in earnest, and the committee is asking the public and local businesses to financially support the return of the fireworks.
The first deadline is for the committee to raise $10,000 by January 15 which is a 50% deposit in order to secure the contract with the fireworks company.
The evening’s events, all in Antioch’s historic downtown Rivertown District, will begin at 4 p.m. and last until the fireworks are over at approximately 10 p.m.
The Antioch Chamber of Commerce has agreed to allow the committe to use their Antioch Community Foundation non-profit organization to receive tax-deductible donations.
The account is at ECC Bank, located at 16th and A Streets in Antioch, and anyone can drop off a check there or at one of their branches in Oakley or Brentwood, or mail it to the Chamber office at 101 H Street, Antioch, CA 94509. Please write “Fireworks” in the memo section.
Major sponsors are being sought and anyone who contributes $25 or more will have their name mentioned in advertising in this newspaper. Sponsors of $500 or more will get their name on the T-shirts, signs and major advertising. Businesses who contribute at least $100 can use the theme logo in their advertising throughout the year.
More information can be found at FaceBook.com/Antioch.JulyFourth or email AntiochJuly4th@yahoo.com or by calling Co-Chairman Walter Ruehlig at 925-756-7628.
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