CITY OF COMMERCE AGENDA REPORT
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: City Manager
SUBJECT: Proposed Independence Day Celebration Program - July 3-4, 2026 MEETING DATE: March 10, 2026
RECOMMENDATION
Provide direction to staff regarding the proposed two-day Independence Day Celebration scheduled for Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4, 2026.
BACKGROUND
Staff is currently in the process of planning a two-day Independence Day Celebration for the community. As the nation prepares to commemorate America’s 250th Birthday, this year’s event is being designed to balance tradition, entertainment, and community engagement while remaining mindful of budget considerations. The two-day celebration provides an opportunity for the community to come together in recognition of the nation’s 250th anniversary while continuing the city’s long standing Independence Day tradition.
Efforts to secure a licensed pyrotechnic company for a July 4 fireworks show have been ongoing since last year. Staff have continued outreach and coordination with reputable providers; however, availability constraints and industry limitations have persisted.
Additionally, a potential lead involving a technician branching out independently did not materialize.
ANALYSIS
As a result, staff proposes a fireworks show on Friday, July 3, and the July 4 program is proposed to conclude with a laser light show as an alternative finale.
Consistent with prior years, the celebration would also include family-friendly attractions such as an all-abilities rock wall, the traditional giant slide, and the popular cornhole tournament, along with food vendors and community-focused programming.
Staff respectfully presents this proposed itinerary for Council consideration and direction.
July 3 Friday
July 4 Saturday
12-10 Carnival
12-10 Carnival
12-4 Swimming
12-4 Swimming
5-10
Identity Theft Band
Jumping Jack Flash (Rolling Stones Tribute)
Fireworks Show
5-10
Red Hot Chili Peppers Tribute Band
Yachtzee Band
Patriotic Laser Light Show Finale
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve proposed two-day Independence Day Celebration
2. Disapprove proposed two-day Independence Day Celebration
3. Provide further direction to staff
FISCAL IMPACT
Staff continue to evaluate and right-size the event budget to reflect realistic costs associated with entertainment, production, and event operations.
The estimated cost to support the proposed two-day Independence Day Celebration is approximately $305,300, which includes entertainment, production, event logistics, and other operational expenses associated with the event. The Parks and Recreation Department currently budgets $91,000 annually for the event. To support the expanded two-day event planned for 2026, staff is recommending an additional $215,000 appropriation as part of the FY 2025-26 Mid-Year Budget amendments. If approved by the City Council, the combination of the existing budgeted funds and the proposed mid-year appropriation would fully fund the estimated costs.
A breakdown of the estimated entertainment and production expenses for the two-day celebration is provided below:
PROJECTED IDC 2026 EXPENSES - 2 DAYS
JULY 3, FRIDAY
Firework Show
$28,520
Band 1
$5,500
Band 2
$5,500
JULY 4, SATURDAY
Laser Light Show
$65,000
Band 3
$5,500
Band 4
$5,500
Face Painting/Balloon Art
$3,500
Children's Pavilion Tent Rental
$2,600
Cornhole Tournament
$900
ASL Services
$1,500
JULY 3 – 4
Carnival Rides (Ferris Wheel, Sizzler + 4 rides + 10 carnival game booths/2 days) $114,528
All Abilities Rock Wall (2 days)
$14,000
Little Racer Cars - Ages 2-8 (2 days)
$7,180
Game Booth Prizes (2 days)
$5,500
Stage (2 days)
$5,200
Dancefloor (2 days)
$4,800
Sound & Lighting (2 days)
$7,800
Generator Rental (2 days)
$1,500
Electrical (2 days)
$3,600
Security Services (2 nights)
$5,850
Catering (2 days)
$3,800
Décor (2 days)
$3,522
Misc Supplies (2 days)
$4,000
$305,300
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: Adolfo Marquez, Parks and Recreation Director Fiscal Impact reviewed by: Alvaro Castellon, Finance Director Approved as to form by: Noel Tapia, City Attorney