The Fourth of July now belongs to the Ripon Chamber of Commerce.

The Ripon City Council handed over the responsibilities of the one-day event capped off by the fireworks spectacular at the Mistlin Sports Complex at Tuesday’s meeting, voting 4-0 (Mike Restuccia was absent).

“The Chamber does a great job on events like this – just look at the success of the Almond Blossom Festival and the Color the Skies (hot air balloon festival),” said Councilman Mark Winchell.

Elected leaders, in recent years, did the planning and fundraising for the Fourth of July, including last year’s three-day event consisting of carnival rides.

Councilman Dean Uecker and his colleague – the late Elden “Red” Nutt – had spearheaded firework fundraisers, getting businesses and community members to chip for the $20,000 needed for the pyrotechnics.

The Chamber will be the one to apply for the special event permit and doing the necessary advertising. The group will also provide insurance while coordinating parking, cleanup, and the contact to the fireworks company.

As for the City of Ripon folks, they’ll provide police for traffic control along with the large garbage bins and the necessary barricades.

The City will also assist in park cleanup following the event, paying for use of police and public works from the general fund.

To contact reporter Vince Rembulat, email vrembulat@mantecabulletin.com.