Hoffman Estates will ask for more donations for July 4 fest

Hoffman Estates isn't the only village that's been forced to cut its July 4 festival due to the slumping economy.

The rising costs of fireworks has even made the village reduce spending on its fireworks display, shortening the event.

Wanting to avoid further cuts to the July 4 festival, the village will now solicit donations from more village businesses than ever before.

Wendell Howell, a member of the village's 4th of July commission, asked the village board on Monday to allow his group the ability to ask for money from every business within the village. In the past they've only had money from an approved listed of about a dozen. Last year the group raised $11,900, about 19.8 percent of projected festival revenues.

It will cost around $68,000 for the five-day festival which includes a parade through the village.

The village has reduced the group's budget in past years, even though they decided in 2009 to bring in Sister Hazel to help celebrate the village's 50th anniversary.

Howell, in charge of fundraising, hopes to avoid future cuts.

“We'd like to keep the festival going,” he said.

Expanding the list would allow the group to ask for donations from Comcast Corp. Not only does the cable television company allow the village to show meetings on public access television, its Global Spectrum last year began running the Sears Centre. The goal is to have businesses donate half of the $68,000.

“Our goal is to cover as much so it doesn't put the burden on the village budget and village tax dollars,” Howell said.

The board voted in favor of the commission's plan.

Trustee Jackie Green, a longtime member of the commission, said even before the economy declined that the commission struggled with fundraising.

The Fourth of July Commission is the village's largest commission, as it's funded better than any other group. The village's police and fire unions in 2009 while negotiating labor deals criticized village spending on festivals and commissions.

Trustee Karen Mills believe maintaining them is a positive for the community. The festival provides entertainment to residents who may not have disposable income for vacations and other fun.

“I think it's a good endeavor, we've all echoed last year too the importance of the festival because we have to provide somethings for our residents so they can enjoy themselves in this time,” she said.