Tracy Press

In tough economic times, we give thanks for the freebie fun right here at home.

Once upon a time, summer was all about freedom. Of course, that was when we were children, school was out, and our parents paid for everything.

This summer, our grown-up wallets are stretched thin, the cost of gas and milk is skyrocketing, the economy is threatening to tank, and a new term, "staycation," has replaced the family vacation.

That’s why it’s nice to know that some things are just free and close to home.

The Tracy Arts Commission’s Music in the Park program just finished its summer season, with several free concerts at Lincoln Park.

Last week, the Movies on the Plaza had its debut, and from all signs, it was a huge hit. "Shrek the Third" played on a big screen at the new Civic Center Plaza amphitheatre next to City Hall. More than 300 people of all ages showed up early in the evening with board games, lawn chairs and blankets. Later, it was like an old-fashioned, drive-in theater under the stars, without cars.

The movie was free, and so was the popcorn, thanks to the city and Comcast. And coming soon are three more movies: "Transformers" on Aug. 22, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" on Sept. 19 and "Spider-Man 3" on Oct. 17.

Finally, it’s the 22nd year of the Tracy Dry Bean Festival, which is also free, unlike the unforgettable year that admission was charged. The two-day festival will be Sept. 6 and 7 in downtown Tracy, with four stages for entertainment, a rib and chili bean cook-off, bean pavilion and car show.

Of course, we know it’s not free to put on these events and that businesses, cities and chambers of commerce must be feeling the pinch. So when Dave Tillman, Tracy’s chamber director, says the festival has some financial concerns, we listen to his ideas for a Friends of the Festival fundraiser and his pitch for more event sponsors.

We’ll gladly put the word out — especially if it means the festival will stay free.

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written by Dave Hardesty , August 05, 2008

I am commenting to all the negative people who believe the City and City Counsel has not done anything to better their lives.

The excellent article above is a testamony that many of these people are incorrect in their beliefs.

I offer my sincerest thanks to the businesses, Chamber of Commerce, the City, the City Counsel and all of the commissioners on the Arts Commission and the Commissioners of the Parks and Recreation and Community Serivces Commission along with all of the community minded and spirited people who have made this happen.

If it wasn't for their tireless dedication none of this would have happened and the article appearing above could not have been written.

Dave Hardesty

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written by amy , August 06, 2008

Now this is just hearsay from what I heard from locals at that time, that Ives is a member of the "Concert in the Park" organization or something? Is that right?

Well,if it is correct, then I say Kudos on the free activities in advance!

-amy

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written by Dave Hardesty , August 06, 2008

Well if you are talking about supporting the effort then I would say you are correct. It started under Mayor Dan Bilbrey though but the funding to do the concerts come through the Arts Commission and are voted on by City Counsel as a budget item.

The original idea actually came from former Counselmember Wes Huffman when he was on the Arts Commission. At that time they were loosly affiaiated with the Parks Commission of which I was a member and Wes and I both had discussed it.

Early on we use to use a city owned hotdog stand and together he and I sold hotdogs, chips and sodas to help defray some of the costs.

The portable stage used by the city and people all over down was a part of all of that and that came through the Parks Commission and approved for purchase by City Counsel. It's seen a lot of good use and seems to have been worth the expense as you see it everywhere in our community today.

Dave Hardesty

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written by amy , August 07, 2008

Well, as I see it, it in the right direction to go Green Village Living! Spread it out within the City!

Wonderful plans!

-amy

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written by amy , August 08, 2008

Good for Wess Huffman to come up with that idea! Good for you for supporting it!

-amy