March 18, 2025
TO: City Council
REQUESTED BY: Robert Johnson, City Manager
APPROVED BY: Robert A. Johnson, City Manager
SUBJECT: 2025 Independence Day Parade & Street Festival RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council discuss and provide direction on the preferred date for the 2025 Independence Day Parade & Street Festival, considering whether to hold the event on Saturday, June 28, 2025 (the Saturday before the holiday) or on Friday, July 4, 2025 (the actual holiday). City Council may also consider implementing a long-term scheduling policy based on the day of the week the holiday falls on.
BACKGROUND:
Historically, the City of San Jacinto has held its annual Independence Day Parade & Street Festival on the Fourth of July. However, in 2024, the event was moved to the Saturday prior to the holiday. This adjustment was made to accommodate various factors, including staff availability, community participation, and alignment with surrounding city events.
ANALYSIS:
The selection of the event date carries significant implications for event attendance, city resources, and staff workload. Below is the analysis of the potential advantages and disadvantages of each option:
Option 1: Saturday, June 28, 2025 (Saturday before the holiday) Pros
• Allows residents to participate without conflicting with personal Fourth of July plans, particularly those traveling for the long weekend.
• Potential for increased participation from surrounding communities, as some larger neighboring cities hold their events on July 4th.
• Easier coordination with vendors and entertainment, as they may have more availability prior to the holiday for smaller events.
• Equipment and entertainment fees tend to be significantly lower as it does not fall on the Fourth of July holiday.
• Provides staff the opportunity to enjoy the holiday with their own families.
Cons
• The event may not feel as closely tied to the Fourth of July holiday, even though several surrounding cities host large Independence Day events the Saturday prior to the holiday. • Some residents may prefer celebrating on the actual holiday than the weekend prior. • Potential scheduling conflicts with other regional events also choosing to hold celebrations on the Saturday before the Fourth.
Option 2: Friday, July 4, 2025 (Actual holiday)
Pros
• Aligns with historical tradition and maintains the significance of celebrating Independence Day on the actual holiday.
• May not conflict with or be overshadowed by other regional celebrations occurring earlier.
• May draw residents who prefer celebrating locally instead of traveling.
Cons
• The July 4th holiday falls on a Friday in 2025, creating a four-day weekend. Many residents may choose to leave town, potentially impacting attendance. • Increased competition for vendors and entertainment, as many cities host their events on the same day.
• Entertainment, equipment rental, and delivery fees tend to be higher on the Fourth of July holiday.
• Staff working the event may have limited time to spend with their own families on the holiday, as well as holiday/overtime pay to employees working the event.
Council may also consider adopting a policy for future scheduling:
• If July 4th falls on a Sunday through Thursday, the event will be held on the Saturday before the holiday.
• If July 4th falls on a Friday or Saturday, the event will be held on the actual holiday.
This approach would provide consistency for planning while also accommodating different scheduling concerns based on the day of the week the holiday falls on.
Staff has conducted research on surrounding city event celebrations. This includes a review of 21 cities with some form of Independence Day celebration.
Of these, 14 cities hold their events on the actual holiday of July 4th, three (3) cities hold celebrations on July 3rd, one (1) city celebrates on July 5th, and only three (3) cities have scheduled their events for the Saturday before the holiday.
Of these 21 cities, 19 include an evening fireworks show. This information provides regional context for consideration in determining the most suitable date for the City of San Jacinto’s event.
OPTIONS FOR DISCUSSION:
1. Continue to hold the event the Saturday before the holiday.
2. Return the event to the Fourth of July holiday.
3. Adoption of a policy for future scheduling.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funds for the event have already been approved in the FY 24/25 budget and sponsorships from local agencies and organizations will offset the approved budgeted amount. Staff may also conduct further analysis to determine if one date poses a significant cost difference compared to the other. Costs related to public safety, staffing, vendors, equipment, and entertainment availability may vary depending on the chosen date