Paul Clinton
CIVIC CENTER -- It took three years, but organizers of the annual
Burbank on Parade finally asked for financial assistance, which they
received from the City Council.
To help stem growing financial losses that crossed the $4,000 mark
during last April's parade, the council agreed to boost its funding from
$9,180 to $15,000 per year. The city will also waive the $2,500 cost to
hire the Police Department to monitor the event.
It was the first increase in city funding since 1984.
Council members said the decision was an easy one, since the parade
builds community spirit. The nonprofit group Burbank On Parade Inc., made
up of volunteers, stages the event, which drew nearly 10,000 people this
year.
"It's a tremendous event," Councilman Dave Golonski said. "I'd have a
more difficult time if there were people earning salaries, but that's not
how Burbank on Parade works."
The rising deficit was attributed in part to about $5,000 in revenue
lost after the closure of the Family Fun Festival fund-raiser, an event
held in George Izay Park until 1997. Residents complained the fund-raiser
caused traffic and noise problems in the surrounding neighborhood.
"Izay Park wasn't meant for carnivals," Park, Recreation and Community
Services Director Mike Flad said. "The neighborhood was really impacted."
