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Lake Stevens council approves 2026 support for AquaFest after public pleas over timing and costs
Summary
After more than an hour of public comment and detailed staff briefings, the Lake Stevens City Council voted to approve city support for AquaFest 2026 at roughly the same level as 2025, while urging a longer review of the city's in‑kind policy and budgeting for future events.
The Lake Stevens City Council voted March 31 to approve city support for AquaFest 2026 at the same level provided in 2025, after multiple speakers from the festival's volunteer board and local businesses urged the council not to change funding in the weeks before the event.
AquaFest volunteers and organizers told the council they had already committed vendors, carnival contracts and entertainment and that introducing potential city costs of roughly $41,019.80 (in addition to staff-approved in‑kind support of about $18,869) just months before the festival created significant planning and financial strain. "If you don't grow up here, then welcome. This is now our town," said Jeff Pegram, a longtime resident and AquaFest co‑vice president, urging council to allow the event to proceed under the previously approved budget.
Why it matters: AquaFest, a volunteer‑run…
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