With July 4th Parade in Jeopardy, HMB Charity Steps in to Foot Bill

The Half Moon Bay Beautification Committee, a nonprofit organization composed of longtime Half Moon Bay residents and community leaders, announced Thursday afternoon that in lieu of a sponsor to date, the group has decided to come forward and pay for the cost of the Main St. parade.

According to Tim Beeman, media contact for the group, it's not exactly clear just how much the Beautification Committee will pay to put on the event.

"[It] will not be known for sure until the parade is over and bills are submitted, but the cost estimate is in the $5k range," Beeman said Thursday.

The city's July 4th parade had been in jeopardy earlier this year due to the added costs of new permit fees, as well as the inability for the city to absorb the cost of staff time to put on the event.

Organizers had been "scrambling to obtain sponsorship support" for months and coming up empty-handed, according to a press release sent out by Beeman.

"We're delighted and honored to announce this partnership with the Beautification Committee. We were in a tough spot and they stepped up to the plate in a time of need," said Roxy Stone, Co-Chairman of the Old Fashioned 4th of July Parade Committee. "Their generous support will enable us to move forward and help us keep the parade alive."

"The Old Fashioned 4th of July Parade is a community treasure and we're happy to help support it," said Mel Mello Jr., Beautification Committee Treasurer. "It's a time-honored institution and represents everything we all appreciate about living here."

The July 4th parade will take place at 12 noon on Main St. in Half Moon Bay.