The Hernando Sun reported in the 05/13/16 edition, the concerns some citizens had about competing county events held the same weekend. It was their opinion that this was detrimental to the success of both the Blueberry Festival and the Hernando County Fair. According to Richard Klimas, of the Hernando County Fairgrounds, this year’s fair exceeded their expectation and attendance was greater than in 2015. For this reason, Klimas expressed appreciation for the support of the Brooksville City Council and the Blueberry Festival for its cooperation.
Last year’s July 4th celebration at the fairgrounds was a different story. It was their first attempt to provide such a display and Klimas states they were “overwhelmed” by the number of people who attended, which he estimates as up to 10,000 either at the fairgrounds or nearby. Klimas intends to make improvements so that this year’s event is safer and more enjoyable for everyone involved, including resolving parking issues and having sufficient traffic control and fire/police presence. He has requested local restaurants extend their hours, taking advantage of the increased crowd after 10 pm.
Klimas wants to significantly increase the amount spent on the fireworks presentation by up to $10,000. He asked the City Council to contribute $1,000, and for assistance with additional dumpsters and the fire department, similar to what was provided for this year’s fair. Klimas stated that the County is providing up to $5,000 reimbursement for advertising through the Hernando County Tourism Development, which will give the July 4th celebration advertising exposure up to 90 miles from Brooksville.
A demolition derby is also planned, with confirmed entrants traveling from as far as Ohio and Texas to attend. An admission fee for the derby will be charged for both children and adults. Parking at the event will be $10, but the fireworks are free. Local charities will provide horse/pony rides, watermelon eating contests, and sell some concession foods, with the proceeds benefitting those charities. Klimas stated he welcomes help from the community as well as local businesses.
Klimas states he would like the July 4th event to become self-supporting, but it has taken time to improve the grounds and facilities for the other county events. The largest expense for a July 4th celebration is the fireworks which can cost $15,000 – $35,000 for a good display, and is the main reason many communities no longer have fireworks displays.
The City Council agreed to provide a $500 credit for dumpsters and the $1,000 for fireworks, asking Klimas to “prominently” display the City of Brooksville as a sponsor in their advertising. Klimas will return to the City Council later in June with more definite figures and the Council will then determine whether they will provide additional donations in the way of fire and police presence.