It takes about $305,000 to put on the events

By Staff Reports

Behind the scenes of Freedom Fest’s grand celebrations, a dedicated team works tirelessly to secure the necessary funding. Cheri Brown, co-chair of the sponsorships team, shared insights into the financial aspects of the event.

“It takes about $305,000 to put on the events,” Brown explained. “Most of it goes to security costs, which have increased significantly. Insurance costs have also gone up.”

Despite these challenges, the event remains free thanks to generous sponsors and creative fundraising efforts. Major cash sponsors this year include Commonwealth Credit Union and Paramit. MOHI provided about $10,000 in security fencing. The city of Morgan Hill provided grants to help pay for police patrol.

“The only thing we charge for is parking for the fireworks show,” Brown noted. “At $15 per car, it’s really a great deal when you consider the scale of the event.”

Brown emphasized the exciting nature of the fireworks display. “It’s pretty impressive that little Morgan Hill puts on this great big show. It’s the largest land-based fireworks show in Northern California.”

Sponsorships start at $350, providing an opportunity for businesses of all sizes to support this community tradition, she said. Sponsors can get an advertisement published in the Freedom Fest program mailed to Morgan Hill addresses.

“We’ve encouraged businesses downtown to sponsor,” Brown said, mentioning several local establishments including Odeum, GVA, the Granada Theater, MOHI, Craft-Roots, Ladera Grill, and Bubbles & Brew.

Brown stressed the importance of new involvement with several people stepping up this year to volunteer on the organizing team.

“It’s really important to see young blood get involved and coming in and helping,” she said.

Brown concluded with enthusiasm for the upcoming celebration: “I think it’s going to be a great weekend. You start July 3 with the Patriotic Sing and the Family Music Fest. Then July 4, of course, you have all those festivities. And July 5 you’ve got Friday Night Music rolling right into it. It’s party, party, party.”