Ripon Chamber of Commerce President Tamra Spade is asking the city to partner with the chamber’s foundation to underwrite the Ripon July 4th aerial fireworks extravaganza seen by an estimated 10,000 people.

The foundation was established as a non-profit to provide educational opportunities for the youth of the community they might otherwise not enjoy through the Ripon Unified School District.

Spade went before the Ripon City Council recently asking mostly for in-service support from the city including public works’ staffers, police and a proportionate purchase of the fireworks’ costs that are expected to run an estimated $15,000 of the total $30,000 outlay for the day’s events and with the waving of permit fees for the use of Mistlin Sports Park.

She is also asking that police assist with traffic and parking and that garbage bins be provided and picked up the following day as well as providing some barricades for the event.

Spade said the evening will run from 5 to 10 p.m. with a variety of food booth vendors and a light show with a background of live symphony-like music.  A stage will be built at the park where live music will also be played prior to the event. Public Works Director Ted Johnston said he would be searching out three bids for the cost of the fireworks.

Save Mart Market on Colony Drive is supporting the foundation by asking for donations at their checkout counters at the store.

The proposal for a partnership has yet to be confirmed by the city council. Some private donations have already been received by the chamber.