Value of festivals goes beyond costs

Tens of thousands with out-of-town holiday plans leave the suburbs this afternoon. More weekend traveling is expected this year than last, perhaps because of an improving economic picture.

But those suburban residents going the "staycation" route have plenty of options in town for celebrating the nation's birthday. Local festivals, one of the hallmarks of suburban life, give us an affordable opportunity to relax and spend time with family and friends.

This is your chance. Indulge in a stack of pancakes. Ride a mini coaster. View a pageant. Enter a 5K run or walk. Cheer at a concert. Share a funnel cake with a friend. Ooh and ahh at the colors against a dark sky.

These days, suburban festivals are as close to baseball-and-apple-pie America as we can get.

It may be especially important to attend these events this year, not just for the recreational break but also to help keep them going. More than ever, they need your support.

With budgets plagued by the recession and slow-in-coming state aid, some towns have canceled their festivals or fireworks displays. In other suburbs, summertime events are clinging to life, having barely survived budget cuts through creative financing from leaders and reinforcement from the public.

Earlier this year, Lombard leaders determined they wouldn't have the funds for Taste of Lombard, and the 28-year tradition was put on the chopping block. The people wouldn't hear of it. With an outpouring of support, the sponsoring Jaycees reached an agreement with the village to charge a $2 gate fee, and the Taste was saved.

When a popular summer concert series in Carol Stream was threatened, members of the village board ponied up their own cash, sparking a fundraising drive that will pay for several concerts.

Itasca managed to fund its July 4 fireworks display, considered one of the best around. The $20 parking fee will help ensure it booms in future years.

In Hampshire, residents and village leaders rallied to keep Coon Creek Country Days running after almost three decades.

These people understand the benefits. Besides bringing people together and strengthening relationships, festivals enhance community pride.

Unfortunately, we've seen festivals canceled in Bloomingdale, Elgin and Naperville. Wheeling decided against a parade. Addison scrapped its fireworks.

The cutbacks haven't been limited to summer fests. Last year, Schaumburg and Arlington Heights canceled their Christkindlesmarkt events and Des Plaines cut its New Year's Eve party.

We are aware times are tough, and family entertainment budgets have been slashed, too. But the value of a local festival cannot be measured. This weekend, as we remember the birth of a country that has become the envy of the world, reach for the jar of change on the dresser and head out. It'll be a boost to a community tradition worth saving.