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Council approves $140,000 for sand-sculpting festival after debate over fundraising and donor ties
Summary
After debate and a failed substitute to cut funding, the Revere City Council approved a $140,000 free-cash appropriation to support the annual sand-sculpting festival; councilors discussed grant support, public safety costs and the festival partnership’s governance.
The Revere City Council voted on June 23 to appropriate $140,000 from free cash to support the city’s annual sand-sculpting festival after a substitute motion to cut the amount to $120,000 failed.
Why it matters: The sand-sculpting festival draws tens of thousands of visitors to Revere Beach, generates economic activity for local businesses and requires significant public-safety resources. Council debate highlighted fundraising sources and whether the festival’s board should more formally include a city designee.
Key points from the meeting: Councilor Zambuto proposed a $20,000 reduction as a symbolic rebuke to festival organizers who had declined certain corporate sponsorships in the past; his amendment failed on a roll call. Several councilors praised the work of the Revere Beach Partnership and its volunteers. Mayor Keith told the council the partnership secured an $89,000 grant from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission to offset public-safety costs; the mayor said the city will cover the detail if grant funding falls short.
Council and partner remarks: A representative described the partnership as a largely volunteer nonprofit that relies on grants, sponsorships and city support. Councilors noted the festival’s tourism and economic benefits — restaurants and hotels see increased activity during the event weekend — while acknowledging resident concerns about traffic and public-safety costs.
Action: The council’s appropriation of $140,000 was approved by roll call. A substitute motion to reduce the appropriation to $120,000 failed earlier in the session.
Ending: The council asked the partnership to continue fundraising and to consider formalizing channels for city input into the nonprofit’s governance; officials said they would continue to pursue grant funding to offset public costs.
