The Red and Black

Issue date: 7/3/08 Section: News

Phantom Fireworks sells a variety of fireworks at reduced prices in the Georgia Square Mall parking lot. [Click to enlarge]

Party City sells Fourth of July party decor at reduced prices Tuesday, three days before the celebration. [Click to enlarge]

The Fourth of July without a fireworks celebration is difficult to imagine. However, it was almost the case for Athens this year.

Due to necessary budget cuts, the Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department is no longer able to fund Athens' annual Star Spangled Classic. The event is an Independence Day tradition that takes place in Bishop Park, and attracts nearly 50,000 people. The Star Spangled Classic, which costs around $13,000, is one of several cuts made to the new budget approved by the commissioners of Athens-Clarke County.

Cathy Padgett, the leisure services public information coordinator, said that many people do not realize the fiscal year for 2009 begins July 1, and consequently affects the Star Spangled Classic. The situation was touch-and-go for a while, with many people wondering if the event would happen at all. Many people were unaware that the event was even in trouble.

Fortunately, several local businesses, organizations and citizens stepped up to make the celebration possible. Fireworks will be provided by Technical Services Audio Visual, and donors include Farm 255, Athens First Bank & Trust, Prevent Child Abuse Athens, and even the boys from R.E.M.

This year's celebration will be even more special because, as Padgett said, "It is a testament to the spirit of this community that we are able to hold this event this year."

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools