Because of Davis‘ close-knit community, the city‘s Fourth of July celebration at Community Park is more than just fun and fireworks.
The event gives various local groups the opportunity to advertise and distribute information about their activities from 3 to 9:30 p.m. If an organization wishes to pay a $50 entrance fee (15 did last year), it can use the event as a fundraiser and become food vendors.
“The concessions consist of solely nonprofit local groups that set up vendor areas and sell [a wide array] of food and drinks to make money,“ said Lori Conrad of the Davis Parks and Community Services Department.
The event coordinators are still looking for more organizations to be food vendors, and will accept applications until May 30.
“The Fourth of July celebration can get as many as 10,000 people, so that means you have to keep 10,000 people hydrated and full,“ Conrad said. “It‘s kind of like a big party. It‘s one of the things you look forward to.“
The food vendors and different organizations have also been attributed to the unique atmosphere and character of the Fourth of July celebration.
“Having the concessionaries makes the event more festive and provides people with food and drink,“ said Community Services supervisor Carrie Deyer. “We also have game booths and other forms of entertainment for kids.“
In addition to having nonprofit groups as food vendors, the entire day will be filled with events at different locations. There will be recreational swim from 1 to 5 p.m. at Arroyo, Manor and Community pools. At Community Park from 6 to 9 p.m. there will be a championship softball tournament and live entertainment from 5:45 to 9:30 p.m.
“There will be three musical acts, two of which are confirmed: the Sky-dance Sky Divers and the Davis Wakamatsu Taiko Drummers,“ said Community Services supervisor Dennis Hubbard.
At 9:30 p.m., the celebration will conclude with a 20-minute fireworks show that is community-sponsored by a number of businesses and residents.
Due to the wide range of activities and events at the Fourth of July celebration, Davis residents should come out and see what the Davis has to offer.
“There are so many things to appeal to all segments of the community,“ Hubbard said. “I think the more things you incorporate, you‘re able to reach more people. It really is a community event.“
For more information on the event or on how to become a concessionary call the Parks and Community Services department at 757-5626 or visit http://www.city.davis.ca.us/pcs/events/july4concessions.cfm for an application.
ALEX BULLER can be reached at city@californiaaggie.com. XXX.
