news-record.com

GREENSBORO — They’ve pinched pennies, enlisted volunteers and trimmed back some events to make this year’s Fun Fourth Festival a success — in spite of the crummy economy.

But organizers still needed to make a last minute plea to the City Council on Thursday to cover costs for Greensboro Independence Day weekend festivities.

A majority of City Council members agreed to give Fun Fourth, organized by the nonprofit Grassroots Productions Limited, $10,000 to help cover a cash shortfall for the two-day event, Interim City Manager Bob Morgan said Thursday.

With the sinking economy, free fun may be more important than ever.

But sponsors, including some major businesses like the News & Record and Lincoln Financial, have had to trim back donations for the event. The festival will receive $21,000 less in sponsorship money than last year, said Fun Fourth organizer Betty Cone.

“Businesses are having to make choices,” Cone said.

Organizers knew this would be a tough year for the event, which is in its 34th year.

The festival typically costs between $100,000 and $125,000 in cash and at least as much in donated services, Cone said.
With the sour economy, festivals all over are cutting back or canceling this year, Cone said.

Starting in January, festival planners started scaling back.

The fireworks display will run 25 minutes instead of 30. The downtown party will have one fewer stage. Planners combined heritage festival activities — which typically are on a separate day— into the main event.

Organizers went to the city Thursday only after sponsors were unable to come through at the last minute, Cone said.

But even with the cuts, there will be plenty of free or inexpensive entertainment, including a variety of musical acts, games and a parade.

“What we looked at was ways to deliver lots of free fun and activities to the community but without overrunning our budget,” Cone said.

Revenue from the concessions and ticket sales for the Friday night block party will also help cover the shortfalls, Cone said.

Morgan said council members will have to formally approve the $10,000 donation at their next meeting, July 21.

Contact Amanda Lehmert at 373-7075 or amanda.lehmert@news-record.com.