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Wisconsin Rapids faces $850,000 shortfall; organizers seek sponsorships for July Fourth event

City of Wisconsin Rapids Mayor's radio interview · April 16, 2026

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Summary

Mayor Matt Zacker said departments trimmed budgets to close an $850,000 shortfall, the city could not fill three positions, and the traditional $25,000 fireworks budget now costs about $30,500, prompting fundraising and sponsorship outreach for Rapids Riverside Freedom Fest.

WISCONSIN RAPIDS — Mayor Matt Zacker said the city filled an $850,000 budget shortfall this year largely through departmental cuts and is soliciting sponsorships and donations to cover increased event costs for a newly titled Fourth of July celebration, Rapids Riverside Freedom Fest.

"We had to fill a $850,000 budget shortfall this year and we did that, by the departments, you know, working hard to cut back on their budgets," Zacker said. He added the city was unable to fill three budgeted positions after those adjustments.

Zacker said the budget previously included $25,000 for fireworks and related programming but that the same show would now cost about $30,500. "So instead of just trying to pull that out of taxes or the general fund, we're trying to, you know, ask people to help fundraise for this," he said, noting the city is offering sponsorship packages and asking businesses and residents to contribute.

Organizers, including Friends of Music and community volunteer Emily Kent, plan a full-day event with multiple bands, a kids zone, vendors and the farmers market on Grand Avenue; the mayor said they will also adapt vendor placement to stay out of the blast zone and coordinate parking with the county.

Next steps: The city will publish sponsorship details on its website and through social media and email blasts; no additional formal budget actions were reported during the interview.