Economy takes toll on weekend celebrations

The 2010 Stanley Cup Champions might be a common sighting at many area Fourth of July celebrations this year.

Although actual members of the Chicago Blackhawks and the real Stanley Cup might not be in attendance, the memorabilia and many of the parades' participants might don the red and black attire while carrying a replica of Lord Stanley's Cup.

At least, that's how Sleepy Hollow officials expect their holiday celebration to pan out.

Wayne Eischen, media liaison for the Sleepy Hollow Service Club, who organizes and hosts the celebration every year, said club volunteers are trying to book a Blackhawk and/or the Stanley Cup, but still expects look-alikes and many of the floats or windows on the route will be dedicated to the Chicago hockey team.

"It's inevitable," he said. "I wouldn't be surprised if that happens across the state."

While many cities, towns and villages across the state are planning to host a celebration this weekend, town funding for special events has forced several locations to cut back or cancel their intended celebration.

Eischen, as well as Gary Meyer, member of the events committee for Pingree Grove, said the economy has taken its toll on their respective celebrations.

For Pingree Grove, limited funding made event committee officials reduce the number of available programs and opportunities at their evening celebration.

In addition, committee members will be actively seeking donations from festivalgoers, as well as charging a $5 to $6 all-night admission fee for the two inflatable slides.

"We're trying to raise money for future events. When the village cut back on their funding for events, all that was left was for the fireworks display," Meyer said.

"This festival has always been greatly accepted by the community, so we want to continue to throw something that celebrates the holiday."

The family-friendly celebration includes a DJ, children games, a strobe light and laser show scheduled following the fireworks display, and a potential facepainter.

The Bristol Kendall Fire Department in Yorkville hosts an annual parade and celebration on Saturday, and relies strictly on its residents and businesses for funding.

Fire Chief Michael G. Hitzemann said although funding has decreased over the past several years, the last three have shown a significant resemblance.

"All things considered, people are responding very well," Hitzemann said. "We've had to reduce the amount of money spent on our fireworks, as well as economize in a few other places that will be transparent to the festivalgoers, but the fireworks display will be significantly smaller than it has in years past."

The city of St. Charles has not changed anything about its annual fireworks display, thanks in part to retaining sponsorships by the Breakfast Rotary, Valley Community Bank and the city itself, according to superintendent of recreation Holly Cabel.

Eischen said the Sleepy Hollow Service Club receives no funding from the village, but instead relies on its residents for monetary support when organizing a festival.

In addition to the Fourth celebration, the club also hosts an Easter egg hunt, a Halloween bonfire featuring the Headless Horseman, and a holiday light display.

Eischen said the village residents have come through in the past, but he hopes that additional support will come for this year's and all future celebrations.

"A lot of these larger communities are canceling their celebrations because they do not have money, but we have been able to maintain a good show for being Sleepy Hollow," he said.

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<li><a href="/story/?id=390860">Police warn of a 'zero-tolerance' policy this weekend<span class="date">[07/01/10]</span></a></li>

<li><a href="/story/?id=390859">Parades, festivals and fireworks<span class="date">[07/01/10]</span></a></li>

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