By Donna Lind, Mayor, City of Scotts Valley
Scotts Valley is looking forward to the return of the many special events and activities the community has enjoyed prior to the past two years.
Equestrians carry the U.S. flag and the California flag. • Photo Credit: Donna Lind
When the pandemic hit, Scotts Valley was forced to close the Parks and Recreation Division and also the various programs and events. As we work to bring back local programs and activities, there is enthusiasm and much work to be done.
In recognizing Earth Day, Scotts Valley is hosting a Community Park Clean Up Day April 23 from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m.
We’re planning a fun family morning of community service while we give our parks some love! Signup on EventBrite.com for the project you want to help with:
- Mac Dorsa Park: Gazebo Repaint with Mayor Donna Lind: www.eventbrite.com/e/scotts-valley-volunteer-parks-day-mac-dorsa-tickets-293409123587
- Linear Park: Weed Clearing with Vice Mayor Jim Reed: www.eventbrite.com/e/scotts-valley-volunteer-parks-day-linear-park-tickets-293469032777
- Skypark: Tree Planting & Fence Repair with Councilmembers Derek Timm & Randy Johnson: www.eventbrite.com/e/scotts-valley-volunteer-parks-day-skypark-tickets-292662069127
One of the Community activities that we’re working to bring back is the Scotts Valley 4th of July Fireworks Celebration & Parade. This wonderful family event was founded by the Scotts Valley Park Advocates over 25 years ago.
Preparation traditionally began a year in advance. Due to the pandemic, the Fireworks celebration had been canceled the past two years. We’re excited to bring this favorite family event back for 2022!
Initially, there was uncertainty the Fireworks celebration could be returned. No preparation was possible until two months ago.
A challenge was the Scotts Valley Park Advocates who’d provided the Fireworks Celebration, disbanded in the past two years. It’s hoped that a new Park Advocates nonprofit can be reformed.
Although this can’t happen for this year’s celebration, if you are interested in becoming a part of the SV Park Advocates, please contact me. It’s a great opportunity to support local parks & recreation and be part of the future!
Hearing from residents, City leaders felt it important to bring back this special family event. With the loss of both the Advocates and Parks & Recreation staffing, community support is even more important including community organizations, volunteers and sponsors.
When planning began earlier this year, many venders were unavailable on the 4th of July. The decision was made to host the Fireworks Celebration and parade this year on Sunday, July 3.
Scotts Valley lost many employees during the pandemic. Although the City is actively rebuilding, it will take time to replenish staffing. It was thought there isn’t enough staff to organize and present both the Fireworks Celebration and the Parade & Flyover. Having taken the lead last year to provide the 4th of July parade, I offered to step forward with the support of fellow council members to organize the parade & flyover.
This decision was made trusting that the many community members who helped last year would be there for support again this year. So far, the response has been very positive.
As we plan for the Fireworks Celebration, we’re excited to have some great bands performing including “The Joint Chiefs” & “The Lost Boys featuring James Durbin.” The Scotts Valley Parents’ Club stepped forward to assist with coordinating vender booths and fun youth activities. Eugene Bustichi, of the Santa Cruz Moose Lodge, volunteered to provide a delicious BBQ dinner that previously has been provided by the Park Advocates and Scotts Valley Market/Crown Services & Catering.
As always, Scotts Valley Fire and Scotts Valley Police are working together to ensure a safe event. Details on the Fireworks Celebration will be available as we move forward.
The annual 4th of July parade will also take place Sunday July 3 to coordinate with staffing for the Fireworks Celebration. Parade entry forms will be posted on the City’s website, social media pages and the Scotts Valley 4th of July Celebration Facebook page.
The parade will again be on Scotts Valley Drive beginning at 3 p.m., including a spectacular flyover coordinated with the start of the parade.
As excited as we are to return the Independence Fireworks Celebration and Parade, this is only possible with community support. As mentioned, these events have been provided in the past by the Advocates with staff support from Parks & Recreation. This year, the City has contracted with a part-time Event Coordinator, Jen Karno, will rely on volunteers where City staff helped in the past.
If you are interested being a sponsor or volunteering, please reach out. There are a variety of sponsorship levels and opportunities as well as a variety of volunteer opportunities for both the parade Sunday afternoon and the Fireworks festivities Sunday afternoon/evening.
If you are interested in participating, contact: Donna Lind ([email protected] – parade) or Jen Karno ([email protected] – fireworks festivities).
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Donna Lind is the mayor of Scotts Valley. Reach her at [email protected] or call 831-438-4187.
Top Photo: Fireworks celebrate Independence Day. • Credit: Malcom Hsiu