Commentary; Posted: 10/10/07
FL's 4th of July celebration at crossroads
By Cliff Buchan
In the 80 plus years that American Legion Post 225 has sponsored Forest Lake’s Fourth of July celebration there have no doubt been ups and downs, highs and lows. But regardless, the celebration has always carried on as the Legion fought the challenges to make sure this important holiday received its due recognition.
But as 2008 draws near, it is also apparent that Post 225 is facing even greater challenges that may threaten the actual continuation of the celebration.
The Legion’s financial difficulties in funding the celebration became clear in 2007. Thanks to a volunteer push from within the Legion and the generous donations of hundreds upon hundreds of citizens, and many businesses and organizations, more than $34,000 was raised to fund the events this year.
It was a noble effort that saved the day.
The Legion is already making plans for 2008 and a fund drive to the public to support the celebration is in the works. The scale of that drive may not reach the level of 2007, but help from the public will be sought.
The Legion, for the first time officially, is asking the city of Forest Lake for financial and organizational help. Specifically, the Legion is asking the city to take over the fireworks portion of the Fourth of July celebration.
There are financial considerations in play here, but also the Legion’s long running volunteer fireworks crew is at the point where it can no longer handle the chore.
The city is yet to take action on the request from the Legion. The financial considerations are not yet defined, but the cost to the city could run as high as $20,000.
We would encourage the city to be receptive to the Legion’s request. There is no doubt that the city has an investment in the celebration now. Extra police expense is necessary and city maintenance crews see additional duties.
With the city now in the final stages of setting its 2008 budget, a decision must be made soon. If the city agrees to fund the fireworks, the council and staff must determine where those dollars come from.
We would hope the council would look at the issue as more than a dollar investment. It is also an investment in the fabric of Forest Lake life. One of the city’s top drawing cards is the Fourth of July celebration.
The celebration is what Forest Lake is perhaps best known for and rightly so. The celebration is more than a Legion event. It is a community event and the city has a responsibility to assist with the celebration. The level of assistance is the question the leaders must decide.
If the city can find a way to help, this could be a win-win for the city and the Legion.
With the fireworks cost and duties not in Legion hands, the Post 225 should be in a position to deliver a bigger and better parade. That should be the goal if the city elects to help. And the city will be assured the celebration continues.
Participation by the city will remove a great financial burden from the Legion. The city’s help should enable the Legion to pump celebration revenues generated by the carnival, concessions and other activities into the actual celebration expense where they are best used.
If these steps happen, we believe the celebration can become even better than it has been in the past. And that can be to everyone’s benefit.
That the Legion is at a crossroads for the continuation of this celebration is a subject of no debate. The question community leaders and the public must answer is how badly do we want this event? Will it remain or will it slowly fade to a memory?
Certainly it is something worth saving. Is there the will to work in that direction?
Forest Lake Times
P.O. Box 218
880 SW 15 St.
Forest Lake, MN 55025
651-464-4601
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