The Ripon Chamber Foundation just completed its final event of the year.
Last week’s LobsterFest turned out to be another successful and fun event, according to Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tamra Spade.
In fact, she’s looking forward to next year’s LobsterFest.
Spade, however, wasn’t as optimistic about the Fourth of July fireworks show, which was a one-day event held at Mistlin Sports Park.
The Foundation had a tough time conducting the fundraisers given the lack of manpower and time of the year.
“It’s held in the summer – the kids are out of school so it’s tough to find volunteers,” said Spade, who told the Ripon City Council Tuesday that the Chamber Foundation is currently uncertain whether to take on next year’s fireworks show.
She indicated that the cost to do the pyrotechnic display for the community was $37,000 to put on.
“That was a lot of money for us to raise,” said Spade, who had to rely on her three-person staff along with a handful of volunteers.
In order to make a go for next year, the Chamber Foundation will need plenty of outside help.
“We do need more volunteers,” she said. “But we also need someone to help us run it – we need a partner.”
By that, Spade is hoping for a local service organization or business to step up and share the responsibilities of taking on the task.
“I’m hoping (the Foundation) will continue doing the Fourth,” said Vice Mayor Dean Uecker. “We don’t want to lose this event.”
More information can be obtained by calling the Ripon Chamber of Commerce at 209.599.7519.