DDA approves $10,000 guarantee and up to $10,000 match for Fenton Freedom Festival fireworks

The Fenton Downtown Development Authority voted to provide $10,000 upfront and authorize up to an additional $10,000 pending a one-for-one public match to support expanded fireworks at this summer's Freedom Festival. Pat Lockwood, Mayor Pro-Tem and co-chair of the event, reviewed the proposal for enhanced holiday programming connected to America 250.

Lockwood said the request would "cover additional fireworks as the holiday will be enhanced this year for America 250." The motion to approve the recommendation was made by Strayer, supported by Chair Craig Schmidt, and carried by voice vote with all present voting in favor.

The funding structure approved by the board guarantees $10,000 from the DDA to underwrite the initial expenses and conditions the second tranche on confirmed public donations at a dollar-for-dollar rate. The proposal also includes merchandising and other revenue efforts to offset costs, and organizers said they will seek sponsorships to limit DDA exposure.

The DDA's action is limited to the grant-approved amounts; no additional city or county funds were discussed at the meeting. Next steps noted by Lockwood include solicitation of public contributions and confirmation of matching totals before the contingent funds would be disbursed.