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Calistoga council backs Fourth of July parade, asks staff to seek outside funding for night light show
Summary
The City of Calistoga’s council agreed Jan. 6 to continue the traditional Fourth of July parade and directed staff to pursue outside funding and sponsorships for an evening light show rather than absorb the full cost from the general fund.
Calistoga’s City Council on Jan. 6 agreed to keep the July Fourth parade on next year’s calendar and asked staff to pursue outside funding for a proposed evening light show, signaling support for the daytime parade while expressing hesitancy to use general-fund dollars for the nighttime event.
Recreation Manager Erin Stroud told the council the staff estimate for the parade and a separate light show included a 20% contingency and relied on cost information from former Celebrate Napa Valley events and vendor quotes. Stroud said the light show budget focused on lighting elements rather than live bands and that city-owned public works equipment reduced some parade costs.
The council discussed funding sources and logistics. Council member Eisenberg said the parade remained “absolutely part of the Fourth of July” and urged the city to provide staff expertise while seeking TBID support, sponsorships or Chamber partnerships to cover event costs. Vice Mayor Giff said the city may need to absorb costs left by dissolved nonprofit organizers but reiterated that outside funding should be sought before the city commits general-fund dollars.
Several council members and public commenters said the parade draws visitors and benefits local businesses. Chamber representative Eric Reichert said the Chamber is “here to help” and expressed willingness to pursue TBID funding for the parade. A resident who spoke during public comment said she preferred modified fireworks to a light show but acknowledged fire-safety concerns.
Rather than immediately budgeting the light show from the general fund, the council directed staff to prepare a sponsorship packet and a more detailed budget breakout for the upcoming budget workshop. City staff will return with refined figures and sponsorship options; final budget decisions will be made as part of the regular budget process.
The council did not adopt a specific appropriation at the Jan. 6 meeting; the directive was limited to pursuing external funding and providing updated cost information ahead of the budget workshop.
