CITY OF
STAFF REPORT
DATE:
August 24, 2026
TO:
Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM:
Dr. Sean M. Moore, City Manager
PREPARED
Megan Wolfe, Director of Community Services
BY:
SUBJECT.
2026 Freedom Fest Wrap Up Report
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council:
1. Receive and file the 2026 Freedom Fest Wrap Up Report; or
2. Provide further direction to staff.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION:
Item No. 22.
The City of Yucaipa's 2026 Freedom Fest, presented by Live Oak Canyon Farm, was held at Yucaipa High School on Saturday, July 4, 2026, in part, to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. The event included the City's first -ever Monster Truck Show, featuring motocross stunt bike riders, which sold out, attracting more than 1,100 attendees. Freedom Fest also featured local food and merchandise vendors and food trucks, along with a patriotic flyover of three World War II P-51 Mustang airplanes that paid tribute to the service and sacrifices of our nation's military. Additionally, two skydivers, one carrying the American flag, descended as the National Anthem was performed. The evening included family -friendly entertainment and concluded with a professionally choreographed fireworks show, which drew an estimated 2,500 to 3,000 spectators.
Freedom Fest was organized by the Fourth of July Planning Committee (Committee) consisting of representatives from Yucaipa Kiwanis Club, Yucaipa Valley Lions Club, Rotary Club of Yucaipa, Yucaipa Valley Chamber of Commerce, and the Yucaipa Bulletin. Members of the Committee worked hard to raise funds to offset the cost of the event. In addition, staff sought out sponsorship opportunities. The event was made possible due to the following sponsors:
• Live Oak Canyon Farm
• Crafton Hills College
• Sorenson Engineering
• Ken Grody Ford Redlands
• Burrtec-Yucaipa Disposal
• Cole Huber LLP Attorneys
• Yucaipa Lions Club
• Yucaipa Kiwanis Club
• Buffalo Wild Wings
Additional monetary contributions were received from the Yucaipa Valley Art Association, B&C Taco, Del Mar Catering & Grill, Inland Valley Heating & Air, and the Boulevard Artwalk through the Committees fundraising efforts.
Public safety support for the event was provided by the Yucaipa Police and Fire Departments and the Public Works Department.
The approved amount budgeted for the 2026 Freedom Fest was $200,000. Total expenses for the event equaled $188,284, with revenues of $108,213, resulting in a General Fund contribution of $80,070.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The recommendations do not result in a fiscal impact.
Attachments
Attachment 1 - 2026 4th of July Budget.pdf
2026 4th of July Budget
Revenues:
BUDGETED
ACTUALS
Concession & Bar Sales
$ 5,000
$ 31867
Donations
31000
21175
Firework Show Parking Sales
10,000
61810
Monster Truck Parking Sales
31000
31555
Monster Truck Ticket Sales
10,000
19,100
Sponsorships
65,000
64,500
Vendor Fees
41000
81206
Total Revenues
$ 100,000
$ 108,213
Expenditures: BLDGETED ACTUALS
Entertainment
Hospitality $ 500 $ -
Production 51000 41160
Subtotal Entertainment $ 5,500 $
Infrastructure
BUDGETED
ACTUALS
Concessions
$ 11000
$ -
Event Insurance
700
692
Fireworks
482500
47,726
Light Tower Rental
500
161
Marketing
52000
31030
Merch
22500
728
Monster Truck Show Expenses
1202000
117,252
Flyover
42800
41800
Radio Rentals
11000
559
Restrooms
21000
11976
Security
11500
11200
Skydivers
51000
41800
Staffing
21000
11200
Subtotal Infrastructure
$ 1942500
$ 184,124
Total Expenditures $ 200,000 $ 1885284
General Fund: $ 100,000 $ 80,070