Saratoga News

City gives its blessing for Hometown Fourth

By Sarah Lombardo

The Saratoga Hometown Fourth Celebration is in the planning stages, with the blessing--albeit not the financial backing--of the city. Budget cuts brought on by the loss of Saratoga's utility-users' tax in last November's election have meant the city can't provide any funding for the July 4 event at Villa Montalvo.

"They are providing the room for [committee members] to use and that's about it," Marilyn White, co-chairwoman of the event with the Saratoga Lions Club, said. "Next year, hopefully, they will have more money in the budget."

But, White pointed out, the city has helped with the event by providing insurance coverage for the day, saving the Hometown Fourth committee thousands of dollars.

Marlene Duffin, in charge of the event's community organizations, said committee members understood the city's inability to donate money or staffers' time to the event.

"I think that the city probably wasn't interested in adding anything more to their plate," she said.

Legwork in preparation for the event, such as the filing of permit applications and the scheduling of entertainment, was done by the city last year, but this year volunteers have come to the rescue.

"Everyone has been so cooperative," White said.

And they've been generous, as well. According to White, about $2,000 has been raised toward the event so far. The Hometown Fourth cost about $4,000 to stage last year, and attracted almost 1,500 residents. White said they are hoping to raise enough to hold an event for 2,000 residents and still have a little left in the fund for 1998's July 4 party.

This year marks the second Hometown Fourth held in the city. The idea was to hold a small-town party for and by residents to bring the community together. Games for children, face-painting, food and entertainment were all a part of last year's celebration. When the City Council announced earlier this year that money was tight, there was fear the event would be canceled because the city couldn't organize it.

Hugh Hexamer, heading up publicity for the event, said that's not necessarily a bad thing because, ironically, officials' withdrawal from the citywide version of a neighborhood barbecue has brought many residents out of the woodwork to pick up the slack.

"The umbrella idea here is that a lot of people comment on the importance of maintaining the rural character of our town. Another aspect of rural towns and cities is the fact that there is a lot of responsibility and participation by the residents in the activities and organizations of the community," he said. "A lot of groups are being adversely affected by the budget cuts. Here's a way to get behind those groups."

The Hometown Fourth is scheduled for noon to 5 p.m., July 4 at Villa Montalvo. Anyone interested in donating time or money to the Hometown Fourth can call Marilyn White at 867-9417.

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