To the editor:

I am a long time member of the Citizens for the Fourth committee, and have been hearing many complaints about our plans for this year’s July 4 celebration.

It is certainly understandable that it would distress many in our area to see us reducing the events, and an explanation is in order.

Our problems are chiefly two in number, a lack of people willing to serve on the committee and funding.

Community volunteers are just not willing to work on service programs as they were in the “good old days.” This leaves us without enough volunteers to pull off such a great celebration. In fact, we’re lucky to have the few faithful willing to do double duty.

And then there is the problem of financing such a celebration. The expenses last year were $41,000. Our income was $39,600.

Everything has gone up this year, but just for comparison purposes here are a few of our expenses last year: Park activities, $3,100 (and the booth rentals require $84 for the county, which makes it virtually impossible for those who rent booth space to break even; float, $1,000; and fireworks, $25,500. Incidental and other expenses also add up to a substantial amount.

We have some fund-raisers, but nothing to match expenses. Even our donations are behind schedule this year. Something had to give, and because the park activities presented so many problems, we decided to eliminate this part of the celebration.

All this has led me to write this letter in the hope that there will be better understanding of our situation.

And, we would very much appreciate any contributions. Just because we’re reducing the schedule doesn’t mean that we don’t need the financing. Remember, those fireworks cost more than $25,000.

Also, we still need help. Anyone willing to serve may contact my office or Judi Gandy.

Thanks for your understanding.

Ben R. Leonard, M.D.

Gustine

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