DOWNEY : Parade Organizers Struggle to Raise Funds
Organizers of the annual Holiday Lane Parade are struggling to raise money.
The Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors the parade, has raised only one-third of the $27,000 needed to pay for the event. The 43rd annual parade will take place as planned Dec. 4, but officials say it may be the last one if they can’t break even.
Parade chairman Michael J. Prokop attributed the financial problems to lack of donations from businesses and a city decision to charge organizers for police patrols and other services, such as setting up bleachers. About 42 of the city’s 2,500 businesses have donated this year, Prokop said.
The city began charging parade organizers for these services last year. “It’s all part of tightening the belt,” said Lee Powell, assistant city manager. Organizers of other public events also pay similar charges, Powell said.
Prokop said the city’s bill will run about $7,000, including $5,000 for providing about 30 police officers for the event.
The chamber also will spend an estimated $20,000 for a float, trophies, banners and transportation for marching bands, equestrian teams and parade performers.
“This isn’t the Rose Parade, so we have to pay for people to come in,” Prokop said.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
