Fountain Valley plans to celebrate its 60th anniversary with a bang

Fireworks and a parade are among the plans as Fountain Valley gears up for its 60th anniversary celebration in June.

In preparation for the event, the City Council unanimously voted Tuesday to amend its 2016-2017 fiscal budget to earmark $20,000 from its general fund for the pyrotechnics, a parade down Bushard and Brookhurst streets, a luncheon and commemorative merchandise.

The proposed activities are expected to far surpass $20,000 — a proposed five-page advertising supplement in the Orange County Business Journal alone is pegged at $10,000, according to a staff report. A 30-minute parade, which will rely on police, fire and public works department staff, is estimated to cost $28,000 based on talks with the city of Placentia, which puts on a yearly parade. The luncheon is estimated at $3,300.

The city would count on donations, sponsorships and fundraisers, said Rob Frizzelle, community services manager. Even if the anticipated financial help fizzled, costs could be offset by the use of volunteers, he added.

To further ease the financial burden of the event, the celebration could be combined with the city’s Summerfest, also held in June. Since 2007, Summerfest has generated about $40,000 annually through sponsorships and vendor fees, the staff report said.

“If we fall short in sponsorship, it would be absorbed by the (Summerfest reserve account),” said Frizzelle.

Mayor John Collins raised concerns over the expense of the five-page spread and asked staff to see if the price could be “scaled back.” Collins also suggested smaller ads could be placed in local newspapers instead.

Assistant City Manager Maggie Le tried to assure the council that the spread would be a good component for the city, helping to put it on the map for prospective investors or businesses. The idea was borrowed from Brea and Garden Grove, she said.

Fireworks would be managed by Pyro Spectaculars Inc., the city’s go-to company for the past three years. The three bids for the luncheon were received from local businesses Bracken’s Kitchen, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit and Fuji’s Famous Burgers.

As the city continues to prepare for its 60th celebration, an oversight committee of city and Summerfest staff has been formed. Councilwoman Cheryl Brothers and Mayor Pro Tem Michael Vo volunteered Tuesday to be part of it, helping to oversee planning leading up to the event.

Priscella Vega is a contributor to Times Community News.