Brd 4th Celebration in Doubt

Brainerd Community Action says it is getting more difficult to raise the contributions necessary to fund the Brainerd/Baxter 4th of July celebration.

Coordinator Nancy Cross says donations down considerably with the weakened local economy.

Brainerd Mayor George Bedard first requested the formation of Community Action take over the event in 1987. Cross says every year they have to spend the money before they raise the money.

Another challenge impacting this year’s celebration is that West College Drive will be under construction. With the construction of West College Drive and after reconsidering other parade route options, the Board determined that there is no safe way to have a 4th of July Parade in 2012.

Still, Cross would like to uphold the tradition of Brainerd’s a celebration with entertainment and fireworks. In order for that to happen an additional $15,000 must be raised by May 3.

The rest of the events planned for the week of the 4th of July will continue as usual, including: Little Miss/Mister on June 28th, The Show n’ Shine on June 29th, Race for the Cure and Miss Brainerd/Baxter Scholarship Pageant on June 30th, Arts in the Park on July 1st, Right Friends Picnic on July 2nd and Gospel Night on July 3rd.

Cross says if they cannot raise the additional $15,000 to cover the cost of the fireworks and entertainment by May 3rd, the money that has been raised to date will be placed in a designated fund for a 4th of July celebration for 2013.