CC - Item C1 - Community Parade on 4th of July 2006E M •
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TO:
FROM:
DATE:
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ROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL
STAFF REPORT
THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCI
ANDREW C. LAZZARETTO
JUNE 6, 2006
CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION FOR HOSTING A 4T" OF JULY PARADE
SUMMARY
In past years, Rosemead citizens have supported a 4th of July parade. However, the
event has not taken place since 2003, and members of the City Council have asked that
staff explore the possibility of hosting such a parade this year.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council provide direction regarding the possibility of
hosting a 4th of July parade this year.
ANALYSIS
4th of July Parade History In Rosemead
The last time Rosemead hosted a 4"' of July parade was in 2003. At that time, the
event was organized by a group of community-based volunteers with assistance and
support from the City. One of the volunteers served as the chairperson of the
committee and was responsible for the overall organization of the parade, which
traveled east along Valley Boulevard, beginning at Walnut Grove Avenue and
eventually ending in Rosemead Park.
For several years leading up to 2003, community participation in the event, including the
number of spectators watching the parade and the number of committee volunteers,
had dwindled. In addition, following the 2003 parade, the longtime chairperson of the
volunteer committee decided not to continue serving in that role. Based on this lack of
interest and support, the decision was made to discontinue the 4th of July parade.
New Developments
On May 25 , members of the City Council asked staff to explore the possibility of
holding the 4th of July parade once again this year. In response to this request, the City
organized a meeting to discuss the issue on May 31St
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APPROVED FOR CITY COUNCIL AGENDA: ITEM NUMBER'.
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City Council Meeting
June 6, 2006
Page 2 of 3
A group of 24 citizens attended the meeting and expressed their enthusiasm and
support for hosting a 4th of July parade this summer. Furthermore, the group offered to
serve as the official volunteer parade committee. Even with the community support,
however, staff believes that there are a number of other issues that the City Council
should consider before deciding whether or not to move forward with the parade this
year.
Parade Considerations
One of the most significant factors that need to be considered regarding the possibility
of hosting a 4th of July parade is time. In most circumstances, large community based
events take months of planning and preparation, and historically, it has taken on
average 3 - 4 months of lead preparation time in order to coordinate the various
components of a community parade. In our current situation, we have less than 4
weeks before July 4th is upon us.
There are also a number of other issues to address when considering the possibility of
organizing a 4th of July parade this year, including:
■ Significant resources will be required in order to make the parade successful,
and the City has already committed to organizing a 4th of July celebration at
Rosemead Park which will commence at 6:30 a.m.
■ Local school-based groups that would be ideal participants for the parade -
including bands, color guards, and drill teams - will be on summer break and/or
may have other commitments, meaning that they will not be able to participate in
our event.
■ There is little time to attract parade participants, and even less time to publicize
the event to the community.
■ If the City moves forward with a parade and the event is less successful than
anticipated, the result may reflect poorly on Rosemead.
Other Options
Without a doubt, holding a parade has definite benefits for the community. It provides
an opportunity for civic groups and schools that serve the community to participate and
promote their organizations and certainly instills civic pride. An example in a nearby
community of a fine parade is Temple City's Camellia Festival and Parade, which has
been held every February for the last forty years. A non-profit volunteer organization
runs that event with limited assistance from the City, and the group operates year-
round, beginning work on the following year's parade as soon as the current one ends.
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City Council Meeting
June 6, 2006
Page 3 of 3
Given the fact that so little time remains between now and the 4m of July, the City
Council might consider other options when deciding whether or not to hold a parade this
year. For instance:
Staff is recommending in the 2006-2007 Budget the scheduling of a `Fall Festival'
in the September-October time frame. A community parade could be part of this
multi-ethnic, multi-cultural event. Although this planned event is only three to
four months away, schools will be in session, a factor that could increase
participation by local bands and groups.
Enhance the currently planned 4th of July celebration set to take place at
Rosemead Park. For example, it might be possible to include a sky diving
activity as part of the City organized event.
Forgo a parade of any type this year and concentrate on organizing and holding
a premier, first class parade sometime in 2007.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Funds have not been allocated for these types of activities in the 2005-2006 budget.
However, there is around $50,000 remaining in the Appropriated Reserves account that
could be allocated with City Council direction.
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
This item has been noticed through the regular agenda notification process.
Submitted by:
P 0 eCi r
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AsM ager
Reviewed by:
OR_-_C-k~-
Oliver Chi
Director of Administrative Services