Button sales add revenue to July Fourth donations
Kristi Silvernale, Fourth Fest Society member, said that button sales and gate receipts for the Fourth indicated that more than 4,100 people paid to get into the park for the 82nd annual fireworks show.
"Of course there always are fence climbers and people who sneak in," said Silvernale.
Silvernale said button sales and admission costs would help offset the shortfall the group experienced this year in donations for fireworks.
"We were about $4,000 short for donations this year," she said, "so the button sales will help a lot."
She also said several of the vendors at the park didn't feel they did as well this year as last.
"One sports vendor told me that due to the economy and major lay-offs, she didn't expect to do as well."
Silvernale thought the flea market had double the number of booths over last year, but she didn't have any figures on how any of them did.
She said they are still trying to get a full-fledged carnival, but many of the ones they have contacted are booked years in advance. "We are trying for next year," she said. "The Fourth will be on a Sunday and they could be set up all weekend. Maybe that will make a difference."
She asked that Peabody Gazette-Bulletin readers with connections to a good carnival, contact her or any Fourth Fest Society member.
Silvernale said next year's celebration should be bigger and better than ever. She said, "Brian and Alisa (McDowell) and Bobby (Winter) go to a class put on by our supplier and they get to see what the aerials look like before they order them.
That really helps when it comes to coordinating the colors. They always learn new things and that helps make the show better every year."
Silvernale said the group will take a much-needed break for awhile to enjoy the rest of the summer, then will start thinking about plans for Peabody's 83rd annual July Fourth celebration.
