Show Me The Money: The Cost of Putting on the Richfield 4th of July Celebration

Did you know that it cost $91,400 to put on the ? Do you know where all that money comes from? There are four answers, some of which might surprise you. Let’s do some math:

The biggest chunk of that money comes from sponsorship through local businesses. Best Buy, for example, gives the Richfield Hometown 4th of July Committee money to purchase the fireworks, while pays for most of the cost of and the Richfield Tourism & Promotion Board is a generous sponsor of the . There are too many amazing businesses and organizations to list in this blog, but a complete list can be found on our website at richfield4thofjuly.com.

There was also a small but amazing group of individuals who sent money in as donations which totaled over $1,400. To those individuals we are extremely thankful. In fact, last year businesses and organizations, such as the Richfield Optimist Club and Richfield Rotary, donated more than $37,000 towards the celebration. So after these donations, that leaves $54,400.

Another way the funds are raised is through those who are participating in the festival. The vast majority of that is through parade entry fees and the vendors who sell the food and concessions that are throughout the festival. That also comes from the profit that is made through the carnival. Last year these areas raised just over $18,400. So we’re getting closer, which leaves around $36,000.

The third major area that income is raised is through the events that bring us all together.  When you attend the street dance and pay an entry fee or purchase a $.50 hot dog at family night, that money all goes towards the collective funds of the committee. Through all this around $28,700 was raised. We’re getting close at $7300 left.

The final way money is raised is through the selling of 4th of July buttons and other fundraising events such as food nights at and . The 4th of July button has a rich history showcasing what’s happening in Richfield. It is a great collector’s item and even gets you get discounts at various businesses.  While small, the other fundraising events all contribute towards the overall income. Last year that total was just over $15,600. If your keeping up with the math that leaves $8,000 profit. That $8000, along with a small amount from previous years leaves about $12,000 to begin putting on the 2012 celebration. 

All funds are raised through the all-volunteer committee. I’ve heard a lot of people say they think the City of Richfield funds the festival. After reading this you now know, this is not the case. While the city supports the festival in countless ways and it could not be put on without this support, funding it is not one way. As you can see, it takes a whole village. Your help is needed. Attend events, give donations of cash or services, support the festival, to ensure it continues

The next part of this blog will address where all that money goes! This too may surprise you.