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Organizers get go‑ahead to proceed with Star Spangled Splash Bash; vendor, insurance and funding details discussed
Summary
Meeting participants voted to allow the July 4 Star Spangled Splash Bash to proceed at the fairgrounds while requesting additional vendor and logistics details at the next meeting. Organizers said the city pledged $10,000 for fireworks and that paid vendors could generate revenue but some event logistics and vendor payments remain unresolved.
The Bradford County Fair Association approved a motion to allow the Star Spangled Splash Bash — a Fourth of July community event — to move forward while organizers work out vendor, insurance and logistics details.
Michael (surname not provided), who said he organizes the event, told the group the celebration drew more than 8,000 people last year and that he expected roughly 10,000 this year. He said the city is sponsoring the fireworks with a $10,000 contribution and that the headline band has been paid. "Last year, we had over 8,000 people turn out. This year, we're expecting about 10,000," Michael told the group. He said he had paid or placed deposits for entertainment and that security and paramedic costs typically total about $800.
Organizers described vendor-fee structures they have used: $150 for a 10-by-10 booth for one day and $250 for both days. Michael said roughly 8–10 vendors had expressed interest but that confirmations were pending; he held vendor signups in abeyance until the association clarified whether vendors would pay the association or another entity.
County staff and the meeting chair discussed insurance, trash removal and other operational needs. Michael said the fireworks company would use their own insurance and that dumpsters and trash pickup were covered by the site’s existing contracts. County staff advised documenting vendor insurance and liability requirements for any vendors on site.
Faced with short timelines for July 4 logistics, the organizer asked whether to cancel for this year or proceed; the association passed a motion allowing him to continue planning and to return with firm vendor and logistics numbers at the next meeting. "If you say the second Tuesday… that gives me four weeks to put it together," Michael said. The group later approved a motion to move forward, and members verbally voted aye.
No county funds were committed at the meeting. Michael said he has covered many upfront costs personally and that a previously requested TDC (tourist development council) funding request had been declined. He also described a potential partnership with the Kiwanis Club for future years.
The association asked organizers to provide a vendor list, vendor agreements, a cleanup plan and final insurance documents at the next meeting. The group also discussed the possibility of moving the event to a single‑day stadium format if logistics could not be completed for the grounds.
By the end of the session, members had approved a motion to allow planning to proceed and set a deadline to present a full logistics and vendor plan at the next monthly meeting so the association could make a final determination about staging or moving the event.
