Germantown parks staff seeks $30,185 in tourism funds as July 4 plans take shape

Germantown parks staff updated the Park and Recreation Commission on July 4 planning and a request for outside funding. "I'm going to tourism to ask them for $30,185, towards the, fourth of July," Parks staff member Gil told the commission, listing budget items and community partners.

Why it matters: The department is relying on volunteer organizations and external sponsors to stage the parade, family activities and the fireworks display as it seeks to limit ongoing operational burdens on the recreation department.

What was said and decided: Gil said parade coordination is being handled by the Germantown Chamber of Commerce; Joletta of the chamber is organizing the parade. Local organizations that have volunteered or committed sponsorship include Bank 59 (Sherry Shepherd), the Kiwanis (Tom Barney), the Germantown American Legion (Amy Keller and Christie Bell) and the public library (Kara). Gil described a tentative schedule: a parade ending at Fireman’s Park, a farmers market in the park from noon to 4 p.m., live music in the afternoon and an approximately 9:15 p.m. fireworks show. He also listed line items for the funding request, saying, "$24.09 of that would go for fireworks. Boot jack is gonna cost $3,000. The opening act will be around $500."

Gil said he is negotiating with vendor groups and exploring a potential 20% commission on vendors’ sales that would return revenue to the village. Commissioners sought clarification on whether any vendor commission would go to the recreation department; a commissioner was told the commission would receive such funds if the plan proceeds.

Next steps: Parks staff submitted paperwork to tourism and will appear before the tourism board in March. Staff are continuing to recruit volunteers and sponsors and asked commissioners to refer potential supporters.

Ending: The commission took the update for discussion and did not take a separate vote on funding during the meeting.