Freedom Fair at Risk
Tacoma’s Freedom Fair may be in trouble. Again. That’s according to a story from KOMO News over the weekend.
Tacoma’s annual 4th of July celebration, billed as the largest air show and fireworks show on the West Coast has been going for more than three decades, but it once again faces financial challenges.
The fair, run by the Tacoma Events Commission, charges a “voluntary” admission, which many attendees opt out of. The Commission is searching for a last-minute big money donor to spot the $250,000 to $500,000 it needs to put the fair on. They’re also in need of volunteers to help run the event. While the commission is not a City of Tacoma organization, they have received funding from the City, and in 2010, after another close call, the City’s contract with the Tacoma Events Commission for the Freedom Fair was extended by 5 years.
They could start charging mandatory admission, but how do you effectively charge admission for an event where the really cool stuff takes place in mid-air over water? Would you pay to enjoy the festivities? Would you be sad if the fair didn’t happen?
Link to KOMO News.
Filed under: Events
9 comments
F fredo June 4, 2012
You can’t have an admission fee for an event like this, nor should the taxpayers cover the costs. Therefore the vendors who rent space should pay an increased fee and collect sponsorship fees as before. If the actual fireworks show needs to be scaled back by a minute or two then just do it.
C Christine June 4, 2012
Perhaps a scaled-back approach is best. What are the current hours and could those be changed to make it less expensive? I think it’s 11 to “fireworks” now, how about 4pm to fireworks instead? That would cost a lot less in safety and police, garbage pickup, etc. If the new Ruston to Pt. Defiance road is open by then, all traffic could be directed to leave that way as Ruston Way is shut down for the event.
That being said, I have no real answers, but trying to charge a volunteer entry fee is just silly.
K Katy June 4, 2012
I would love to see the chaos of Freedom Fair scaled back. I LOVE fireworks and that is always my main impetus to check out Freedom Fair. If the presenters and promoters of this event would localize their vendor focus that may make me more excited to actually brave the insanity of Ruston Way. Otherwise, I’m happy to watch fireworks from afar in a friend’s front yard.
I vote: just fireworks or a Freedom Fair partnership with local businesses (like the kind we see at Urban Shopping and Cocktails, along Antique Row, at Tacoma is for Lovers, at Farmer’s Markets, etc.). No more of this Fair/Taste of Tacoma regurgitation of vendors.
J jillian June 4, 2012
I have thoroughly enjoyed the Freedom Fair for years. I always try and toss $5 in the donation buckets, and I’m embarrassed that so few people donate that way. I think a mandatory admission is out of the question, but the other comments present some good ideas to reduce costs (although I’d argue for dropping Taste of Tacoma in order to keep Freedom Fair before doing the reverse).
And while I’m on my soap box (more or less), I want to express my appreciation and gratitude for all the volunteers that have helped all these Tacoma events happen over the years. I’m nearly certain they are under-appreciated.
J JJ June 5, 2012
I’d like to see it continue. Mandatory admission would be ok. Or they could have people working the crowds to collect money (once you donate you get a sticker that lets other collectors know to thank you or leave you alone.) Or they could sell some overpriced, uniquely Tacoma collectibles to raise funds. Get the Monkeyshines group to do a unique glass badge each year in red, white and blue tones – or the school kids with access to the hot shops. Sell premier seating on a boat on the water for optimal views. These last minute big money pitches are a tough sell. Companies have to budget – even the big ones have trouble getting approval for that much money on short notice.
C Chalky White June 5, 2012
Scale it back. Start at five o’clock. The biggest attractions are the jets and the fireworks. Too much random stuff that doesn’t bring much value has turned it into a carnival. Quality, not quantity.
C Christine June 5, 2012
Some good ideas have been listed. I never thought of cancelling the Taste of Tacoma to help pay for it but I think it’s a good idea for many reasons. Since it’s been brought up, let’s talk about how much the Taste costs to put on (for 3 days) and what a big joke it is overall. Yes, the band stages are fun, but the food vendors have nothing to do with Tacoma and only a few even have a Washington state address. I think it would be great to drop the Taste and use the savings to support the Freedom Fair. I still think that the hours could be trimmed.
F fredo June 5, 2012
Our family loves Taste of Tacoma. We live nearby, and if possible we go every day of the event and stay as long as possible.
B bob June 12, 2012
Taste of Tacoma, is run by a for profit company, and is not supported through donations. They make big money at the event every year. So why don’t we take a cue from them, and make money at Freedom Fair.