The 4th of July fireworks may be a little less bright next year when the St. John Festival winds up.
That’s because the Carnival Committeee budget recommendation to the VI Senate to fund the festival is for $231,000, That is $19,000 less than last year.
Festival organizers had wanted a large increase in funds to allow the purchase of two tents a well as cargo containers, according to the St. John Source’s report pod a senate budget meeting. Leona Smith, who heads up the Festival Organization, said the tents would solve the problem of bad weather that’s affected the week-long event several times in the last five years.
Entertainment is the Festival’s biggest expense, the money going to performers who entertain at the Cruz Bay bandstand and elsewhere. The group planned to spend $100,000 on the artists. Promotion and advertising costs were budgeted at $75,000 the Source said.
The fireworks were great this year. I am sure they will be just as great next year – no matter if its fewer or less time. I just hope I am there to see them.