I am the proud organizer of the beloved Mountain City Sunflower Festival, a prominent event in our county that attracts scores of tourists and significantly contributes to our local economy. Sadly, the recent proposal of city fees for parks and recreation, as well as for community events, has put the future of our festival, as well as many other community activities, in grave jeopardy.

New fees have been proposed for little league fields and street closures for events, in addition to charges for food truck and vendor participation. This monetization of community participation will not only place an undue burden on our residents and event organizers, but it will also put a significant dampener on the vital and lively community spirit we have lovingly fostered over the years.

Our Sunflower Festival is the largest event in the county, outpacing all other dates in revenue generation. The proposed fees threaten this source of revenue for our area and will likely deter our vendors, depriving our local businesses of much-needed clientele and hindering our local economy.

We must remember that our parks, streets, and recreational venues are cornerstones of our community spirit. These places are where we celebrate our community togetherness, create common memories, and foster local traditions. To monetize access to these local treasures is to risk extinguishing the very spirit of Mountain City.

To protect our communal spaces, local events, and essentially the life of our city, we urge the city council to reconsider this proposal. By rejecting these fees, we can continue to ensure the accessibility and inclusivity of our parks and recreational activities, fostering community spirit and backing broader economic growth.

Please, stand alongside us in rejecting these proposed fees. Sign this petition and stand up for the vitality of Mountain City!