CITY OF COMMERCE AGENDA REPORT
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: City Manager
SUBJECT: Independence Day Carnival and Date
MEETING DATE: January 28, 2025
RECOMMENDATION
The Department of Parks & Recreation recommends that the City Council allocate an additional $45,000 to incorporate a three-day carnival as part of the 2025 Independence Day Celebration. Additionally, the Department seeks direction from the City Council on selecting a date for this year’s event.
BACKGROUND
The City of Commerce takes pride in hosting an annual Independence Day celebration for its residents. Traditionally, the celebration took place on July 4th, accompanied by a multi-day carnival held on July 3rd, 4th, and 5th. However, following the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was reimagined into a family-style picnic focused on community engagement.
The reimagined program, estimated to draw approximately 3,000 attendees throughout the day, featured family-friendly activities such as rock climbing, bounce houses, a cornhole tournament, food vendors, raffles, concerts, and a spectacular fireworks display at 9:00 p.m. The event successfully maintained its community-centered atmosphere while delivering an enjoyable experience for residents and invited guests.
Over the past three years, the carnival component of the event has been scaled back, with an increased focus on creating a community and family-centric celebration.
ANALYSIS
In preparation for the 2025 Independence Day program, staff has encountered a potential scheduling issue with the contracted pyrotechnic company. The two most reputable companies have indicated a shortage of certified technicians and may be unable to provide services on July 4th. However, both have confirmed availability to deliver the fireworks display on Saturday, June 28, 2026.
To ensure a successful event, staff must secure commitments from vendors, including the carnival company, by mid-February 2026 to reserve the necessary equipment and rides. This timeline will also allow adequate preparation for securing entertainment, bounce houses, and other programming components.
As in previous years, the carnival is proposed to operate on the day before, the day of, and the day after the celebration. Staff seeks direction from the City Council regarding the preferred date for the Independence Day program to finalize planning efforts and allocate funding for the carnival and associated event elements.
ALTERNATIVES
Approve staff recommendation
Disapprove staff recommendation
Provide further direction to staff
FISCAL IMPACT
If the City Council decides to incorporate a three-day carnival as part of the 2025 Independence Day Celebration, an appropriation totaling $45,000 from the General Fund’s Unallocated Fund Balance (Reserves) will also need to be approved for the total program cost.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC GOALS
The agenda item relates to the 2016 Strategic Plan, Community Quality of Life Guiding Principle 4:
Support and evaluate community services, programs and events that promote healthy and quality of lifestyles for our residents. Enhance public safety and social services through innovative programs that meet the needs of the residential and business communities.
Respectfully submitted: Ernie Hernandez, City Manager
Recommended by: Greg Alaniz, Parks and Recreation Director Fiscal Impact reviewed by: Vilko Domic, Assistant City Manager Approved as to form by: Noel Tapia, City Attorney
ATTACHMENT:
Resolution