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Amelia Earhart Festival organizers ask county for $5,000–$7,500 toward 2026 budget
Summary
Organizers requested continued county support for the Amelia Earhart Festival’s $300,000 budget and said county and city contributions traditionally cover the fireworks; organizers noted the festival’s economic impact and early ticket sales for headline acts.
Organizers of the Amelia Earhart Festival presented the commission on May 6 seeking county support for the 2026 festival budget and described the event’s local economic impact.
Festival organizers (Jackie Prejean and Mary Jane Sowers) said the festival’s operating budget this year is about $300,000 and asked the county to consider a contribution in the range of $5,000 to $7,500, noting that county funds have historically helped pay for the fireworks display, which the presenters said costs about $60,000.
“The festival has never been about making money,” one presenter said, explaining that the event aims to celebrate community and draw tourists to Atchison; presenters said the festival has more than 110 contributing businesses and that some donors give small annual amounts that are nonetheless important. They said early ticket sales for headline entertainers have been strong and that the festival draws hotel guests and other visitors who boost local businesses.
Organizers highlighted special events planned for 2026 — including an author appearance outside New York City and appearances by pilots connected to Amelia Earhart’s legacy — and noted national visibility from USA Today nominations for the festival’s fireworks and the Atchison museum. No formal funding decision was made at the meeting; commissioners acknowledged the request and said the board would consider it as budgeting and requests are reviewed.
