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Wednesday, July 2, 2008
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Costly spectacle City turning to public to help pay for festivities Staff Writer Visitors to the Brainerd lakes area will find out Friday why Brainerd has been dubbed "Minnesota's Fourth of July Capital."
The celebration is expected to draw about 35,000 people for the parade at 4 p.m. Friday and attract more than 40,000 people to Brainerd High School's Adamson Field for music and fireworks Friday night.
But the festivities don't come cheap.
The celebration costs about $50,000 for Brainerd Community Action, a private non-profit organization that relies on donations to fund the events. Community Action Executive Director Nancy Cross said the agency is still about $10,000 short in fundraising efforts for this year but she's hoping that the funds will be raised by Thursday night.
While many area businesses have generously donated to the Fourth of July events, Cross said organizers now need to turn to the community for additional financial support.
Events calendar
BRAINERD/BAXTER
Wednesday, July 2
Battle of the Bands, 4-11 p.m., Adamson Field, Brainerd, $5 (advance), $8 (at gate), advance tickets available at Brainerd Community Action, Coco Moon and Bridge of Harmony in Brainerd.
CROSSLAKE
Wednesday, July 2
Farmers' Market, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Town Square.
NISSWA
Wednesday, July 2
Turtle races, 2 p.m., Chamber of Commerce building, $3.
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In order to help with the costs this year, Brainerd Community Action is selling reserved all-day parking spots at three Brainerd High School parking lots. Cost is $20 in advance and $25 on Friday. Openings are still available for the three parking lots, named the Fifth Street, the Quince Street and East River Road lots, said Cross. Those who buy a reserved spot will be able to come and go throughout the day since that parking spot will remain reserved. The parking lots will be monitored. Call Community Action at 829-5278 to reserve a spot.
"In order to pay for the Fourth of July celebration, we've had to find other means to raise the revenue," Cross said. She said CommunityAction is hoping to raise about $5,000 by selling reserved parking spots.
And those hoping to park on East River Road for free Friday will be out of luck. The Brainerd Police Department will close East River Road from Laurel Street to College Drive from 8 a.m. until after the fireworks Friday for public safety reasons. During the few times that an ambulance was needed at Adamson Field, it has been difficult to get emergency vehicles to the scene, said Cross. Also, eliminating vehicle traffic along East River Road is safer for the heavy pedestrian traffic there, she said. However, campers are still allowed along East River Road as long as they arrive before 8 a.m. Friday.
The parade has 120 parade entries this year.
"I think the people coming to the parade are going to see a fun, quality parade that will be memorable, enjoyable, and a lot of fun," said Cross.
Cross said new this year is that 3WI Radio will broadcast the live entertainment from the Adamson Field stage beginning at 7:30 p.m. Friday, concluding with the music set for the fireworks at 10:15 p.m. on channels 1270 AM and 95.9 FM.
"The fireworks music is absolutely spectacular," Cross said. "The fireworks are going to be even better than last year, if that's possible."
Cross said with music by The District and master of ceremonies Bill "The King" Musel this year's event has a hometown flavor.
F-16s headquartered in Duluth will fly over Brainerd at 7:40 p.m. Friday, coming from the south and flying north, said Cross.
"People need to watch for them," she said.
JODIE TWEED may be reached at jodie.tweed@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5858.
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