Festival cutbacks aren't wisest choice

Just a few days ago in this space, we urged suburban residents to resist the temptation to let fear of this wretched economy get the best of us.

Rather than hunkering down and buying only the necessities, local experts advise that we must spend wisely and spend locally to do our part in the stimulus to help spur the economy.

Fight back by opening your wallet.

We're back to amend that message by saying it isn't limited to residents. It also applies to local governments and community and fundraising groups that put on parades, fireworks and festivals.

A story by Daily Herald reporter Ted Cox showed some officials and organizers are doing their best to hold the line and minimize cutbacks in community celebrations; others are struggling with funding and considering deep trims in annual events that have become part of the fabric of their town.

Wheeling will hold its Fourth of July fireworks, but cut back on other events. Gurnee is considering cutting its Independence Day fireworks entirely and instead funding fireworks for the Gurnee Days Festival in August. Lisle's Eyes to the Skies festival will be cut from four days to 21/2 over the Fourth of July weekend. And, Des Plaines is keeping fireworks, but cutting the overall budget for the July Fourth parade and Taste of Des Plaines events.

Others are studying their situation and trying to determine what they should do.

We understand, and so do taxpayers. We all face the same shrinking revenue and growing uncertainty that paints all but the necessities as a frivolous purchase.

But the mantra of spending wisely and spending locally should apply to community events and programs as well.

The fact is we need them now more than ever.

A lot of families will do without a pricey vacation this summer, and will instead focus on looking for events to attend close to home.

They'll look to save money on the hotel and gas, and spend a day and a few bucks on snacks at the community festival, carnival rides on the midway, and a cold drink while watching fireworks.

That's the best kind of money because it will be spent locally and spread around to help local restaurants and community groups.

And, just maybe it will create some new opportunities and interest for people in the community to step up and help.

A cut in the entertainment budget might mean some smaller local cover bands will get their shot to replace name bands that have long since passed their prime.

It might be a chance for volunteer groups and service organizations to compete to see who collects the most money to save the fireworks show.

It's all part of this getting back to basics you hear people talking about, showing that you don't have to spend a lot of money or make complicated travel plans to have a good time with friends and family.