PORT TOWNSEND — Organizers of the Old School Fourth of July — “celebrating interdependence, JeffCo style” — continued to seek donations this week for Monday’s festivities.
The free event will take place from 4 p.m. until about 10 p.m. when the fireworks begin on the parade grounds at Fort Worden State Park.
“For an event like this to succeed, it needs collaboration and a shared vision with the community,” said event organizer Danny Milholland.
“There is a big buzz surrounding this. There are a lot of people involved in the communication and marketing.”
Monday’s event has such major sponsors as the Fort Worden Lifelong Learning Center Public Development Authority which is providing the parade grounds rent free, the city of Port Townsend, East Jefferson Fire-Rescue, Washington State Parks and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
First Security Bank has donated $10,000 which covers the cost of the fireworks.
And a variety of businesses have provided additional support.
Still, event financing was a few thousand dollars short as of Thursday, Milholland said.
Milholland said the total cost is about $21,000.
The fireworks are the largest single expense. Other costs include insurance, port-a-potties, and musicians, Milholland said.
If there is a shortage, the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce will make up the difference, said Teresa Verraes, chamber executive director.
But she added, the goal “is to make all of this sustainable.”
Fundraising efforts include T-shirt sales, a voluntary $5 parking fee and a 50/50 raffle where a $1 ticket gives a chance at half of what is collected.
Contribution jars also will be set around the grounds, Milholland said.
Volunteers also are needed.
Organizers are offering a limited edition “Old School” 4th T-shirt in exchange for a two-hour shift.
‘Magnificent fun’
Activities, which are listed in a schedule on Page B1, “will be magnificent fun,” Verraes said.
“There will be kids at play, pie in faces, sore muscles and lots of dancing.”
While Verraes encourages attendees to walk, ride a bike or carpool to the event there will be plenty of parking available.
A portion of the parade grounds are allocated for parking, with spaces available throughout the campus portion of the park.
No Discover Pass is required in these areas, which is needed if people park in the area administered by Washington State Parks.
To volunteer, write info@thunderbullproductions.com.
To donate, go to jeffcountychamber.org/4th/ or visit the chamber office at 2409 Jefferson St., Port Townsend.
For more information, go to www.oldschool4th.com.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
