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FreedomFest plans firmed: $30,000 fireworks, 21 vendors and parking/traffic plan outlined
Summary
City staff told the commission that FreedomFest will include a 30‑minute fireworks show budgeted at $30,000 (council appropriated $77,000 total for the event), about 21 food vendors, shuttle plans and neighborhood notices about noise between 21:15 and 21:45 on July 4.
Marketing and events staff updated the commission on FreedomFest planning, including promotions, sponsors, vendor counts, safety planning and the fireworks contract.
Marketing staff said the city is running paid Facebook and Instagram ads, circulating posters around town and will feature a rotating digital banner on the Sentinel website. Sponsorships to date total $8,500 and staff said they are continuing outreach for additional sponsors.
A senior staff member reported that the council appropriated $77,000 for the event; the fireworks themselves are contracted at $30,000 for a 30‑minute show scheduled from 21:15 to 21:45 on July 4. “So should be a fun day,” the senior staff member said.
Event staff described logistics: approximately 21 food vendors are expected, a kids zone is secured, ambulance/rescue coverage is in place, and private paid security will help manage parking. Staff said primary parking lots (softball complex, Sierra Pacific and COS lot) provide about 924 spaces and that shuttles (the city’s Freddie vehicle) will transport attendees from overflow lots. They also said they are working on a detailed traffic plan to keep emergency lanes clear and are mailing postcards to neighboring residents to warn about fireworks noise.
Commissioners asked about parking and traffic concerns near Sierra Pacific High School and the potential hazard of patrons parking on Centennial; staff said they are considering closing Centennial or enforcing no parking and will include signage and a traffic plan.
Planning staff did not present a final traffic or pedestrian management plan at the meeting; they said those details are still in development and will be finalized before the event.
