Kernersville’s plans for a joint celebration of the nation’s 250th and the town’s 155th anniversaries is moving forward, with town leaders approving a paid parking plan designed to help offset the cost of the large-scale event.
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Ashley Sinclair, recreation and events manager for Kernersville Parks and Recreation, briefed the Board of Aldermen this week on the scope of the celebration, which is projected to cost approximately $70,000, covering artist contracts, staging and sound, fireworks, a drone show, signage, and marketing.
So far, confirmed sponsorships total just over $3,000 and no presenting sponsor has been confirmed. Vendor fees and alcohol sales were discussed as potential revenue sources, but Sinclair advised that both offer limited returns.
To help close the funding gap without fully absorbing costs into the town’s budget, Parks and Recreation recommended parking fees, which is an approach the department has used for other large events at Ivey Redmon Sports Complex.
After discussing the matter, the board unanimously approved a two-tier parking system to charge $10 for standard “family vehicles” and $20 for commercial vehicles, buses, and large passenger vans.
Sinclair said those rates are lower than or consistent with those charged at similar regional events, adding that communication of the costs will be a priority ahead of the event. She indicated that details will be shared via social media, press releases, signs, and on the event’s website.
The celebration is scheduled for April 11 at Ivey Redmon Park, 788 Beeson Road. The date was chosen to avoid conflicts with major regional events and to align with the actual anniversary of Kernersville’s incorporation. In addition to fireworks and drones, the event’s agenda includes a “historical village,” multiple music acts, craft vendors, and food trucks.
Town officials said the board’s action this week allows staff to move forward with marketing and logistics for an event that is expected to draw visitors from across the Triad.
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