Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Events topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Parks department reports 21,400 attended Red, White & Boom; staff seeks budget supplement for expanded attractions
Summary
Parks and Recreation reported 21,400 attendees at Red, White & Boom (July 4) with a $130,000 budget and 1,300 transit shuttle riders; staff asked council to consider a supplemental budget request next year to restore carnival rides and expand kids' programming.
Becky Dreyer, assistant director for Amarillo Parks and Recreation, presented a recap of the city’s July festivities. She said a new July 3 glow run drew about 900 participants and the July 4 main event drew about 21,400 attendees with an average dwell time of 129 minutes. The department used a $130,000 budget and listed sponsors and partners that helped underwrite the event; transit provided 1,300 free shuttle rides to the park.
Dreyer acknowledged weather delays for the drone and fireworks show and recommended better communication with the public about delays next year. She previewed ideas for 2027 including returning carnival rides (which were cut due to higher costs for the July 4 date), adding a kids‑zone stage, and other family activities; staff said a supplemental request will come forward in the budget process if council wishes to expand the program.
