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July 4 event has lower entry fee, more choices

The number of families that wish to take part in Fallbrook’s hometown Fourth of July celebration this year could very well increase, as the entry fee has been significantly reduced and more choices have been added to appease individual budgets.

“Last year we had 2,000 people attend; we anticipate the same or maybe more this year with the changes,” said Don McDougal, CEO of the Grand Tradition Estate, which hosts the event for the Fallbrook Beautification Alliance (FBA).

Now in its ninth year, the event is held as the annual fundraiser to maintain beautification projects in Fallbrook – including proper maintenance of the center (landscaped) medians along South Mission Road, downtown flowerpot projects, and the removal of graffiti in the town center area.

“This one event needs to fund that work for the whole year,” McDougal said.

To earn as much as possible, attendance at the event is critical to organizers, and changes needed to be made.

“Last year, after all costs, we only made $1,200 for the beautification projects and it costs $25,000 a year to do all the FBA maintenance work,” said McDougal.

Last year’s entry fee was $38 and included a designated number of tickets for each person to trade in for food and treats.

This year, the ticket price has been reduced to $20/person (advance purchase ticket) with children 11 and under free and attendees can decide which food items they wish to purchase in addition to that. Those without advance tickets will be charged $25/person at the door.

“By lowering the price to $20 and admitting children free, it makes the event more cost effective for families,” said Mary Jo Bacik, event co-chair. “Some people may choose to eat before they come and just enjoy all the other activities. From a family perspective, it makes it much more affordable.”

A number of local eateries have agreed to prepare and sell food at the event and only be reimbursed for their cost, with all profit going to the FBA. McDougal said (as of June 7) participating businesses include:

Trupiano’s Italian Bistro – pizza; Dominick’s Deli – Italian sausage subs and hot dogs; Major Market – barbecued ribs and tri-tip; FroYo – frozen yogurt; and Retro Candy – candy. Providers of beer and wine will also be on site.

“Essentially the businesses are just doing this for the exposure they get and to support the beautification efforts,” noted McDougal.

Lively music for the event will be provided by “Old School The Band,” which has donated their time and talent to celebration.

The popular fundraising activities of the “Quack-Up Cup” (rubber duck chance race) and competitive rubber raft races will once again be offered at the event.

Children’s games and activities will be offered as usual, with some free and others at a small cost per game.

“We will have an inflatable slide and bounce house and certain games that will be free to the kids,” said McDougal. “Face-painting and carnival games will carry a small fee.” Cory Carrier will serve as the emcee/music coordinator in the children’s area to announce activities.

Treats that are popular with children will be prepared and offered by the United Methodist Church of Fallbrook as well to help support the event.

Gates will open at the Grand Tradition Estate at 4 p.m. on July 4 for the event. No food, beverage, umbrellas, or pets can be brought onto the premises. Blankets and chairs are permitted. Parking (free) will be accommodated on a first-come basis in the Grand Tradition Estate parking lot, 1602 South Mission Road, until it is full; after which parking will be directed to the entrance to a dirt parking lot at the corner of South Mission Road and Pepper Tree Lane (enter on Pepper Tree Lane).

The event will conclude with a traditional fireworks show which is slated to begin between 8:45 and 9 p.m.

For advance tickets and to learn more about sponsorship opportunities or VIP seating, visit http://www.fallbrookbeautification.org or the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce at 111 South Main Ave.

 

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