Fishers Freedom Festival Ends After 29 Years

FISHERS, IN — After 29 years, a festive Fishers tradition is no more. The City of Fishers has announced the June 2017 Fishers Freedom Festival was the last one. The city is ending the 29-year run for the annual tradition due to lack of funding, officials of the City Council's Nonprofit Grant Committee announced Wednesday. The committee, according to members, was created this year to "evaluate how the city supports all nonprofit organizations, transparently and fairly, over time."

In a release, officials said they are dedicated to honoring the Festival's tradition in future events and the annual parade.

"The City of Fishers is grateful to the Fishers Freedom Festival Board of Directors and volunteers for their years of service in creating a great community tradition," the committee said in a release. "The Fishers Freedom Festival traditionally received half of the City's nonprofit grant budget in addition to in-kind services, the equivalent to 10 percent of the Fishers Parks and Recreation budget. Through the application process, FFF was unable to demonstrate fiscal independence, and the nonprofit committee felt it was best to allocate the grant dollars to benefit multiple nonprofits in an effort to help a greater number of residents."

Committee members said the city is able to support these nonprofits as a result of the reallocation:

• Ascent 121 - assistance for survivors of human trafficking
• Cherish - child advocacy and abuse intervention and prevention services
• Conner Prairie Museum, Inc. - interactive history park and Smithsonian-affiliate museum
• Geist Half Marathon - annual marathon fundraiser for youth health and wellness programs
• Hamilton County Leadership Academy - a community leadership development program
• Hamilton County Youth Assistance for Fishers Youth Assistance Program - develop and provide access to programs and services that promote positive growth experiences and enhance home and community relationships.
• Hamilton Southeastern School Foundation - its mission is to bring the next best practices in education home to local students and teachers
• Janus Developmental Services - provides adult individuals with disabilities the opportunity to participate and contribute within the community
• Nickel Plate Arts - supports, promotes and provides outstanding arts experiences in Fishers
• Spaceport Exploration - supports STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math) education that prepares America for the technologies that are shaping the world
• Youth Mentoring Initiative (YMI) - provides mentoring for students by building and sustaining a mentoring community with the highest level of service, integrity, encouragement, and empathy.
• City of Fishers Neighborhood Matching Grant - supports neighborhood beautification projects
• City of Fishers Tree Matching Grant - supports neighborhood tree planting

More information: fishers.in.us

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