COLUSA, CA (MPG) – With just weeks remaining before Independence Day, Assistant City Manager Joanna Moore told the Colusa Rotary Club that planning the city’s expanded Fourth of July celebration has become a major undertaking.
Speaking during the Rotary Club’s June 16 meeting, Moore outlined plans for what she hopes will become an annual community tradition centered around America’s 250th birthday celebration.
“Planning this big event has consumed my life and I didn’t realize how big of an undertaking this really was,” Moore told Rotarians. She added that city staff and volunteers have been working to organize activities ranging from a rib cook-off and car show to children’s activities, vendors and live entertainment.
The celebration will begin early on July 4 with a rib cook-off on Main Street. A car and motorcycle show will follow, along with vendors, food trucks and community booths. The city also plans a children’s parade where youngsters can decorate bicycles, tricycles, wagons and strollers.
Moore said the response from participants has been encouraging as the event draws closer.
‘We have 11 or 12 rib cook-off participants,’ Moore said. ‘Working with a few of the guys who have cars in town and they are willing to get their friends to bring cars to the car show.'”
Moore said the goal is to create a full day of activities leading into Colusa’s annual fireworks display.
“Everybody always says, ‘Why don’t we have things to do in Colusa?’ So now we’re going to do a thing in Colusa,” Moore said.
She noted that many visitors already come to Colusa for the city’s fireworks show.
“From what I hear, a lot of people come into town for the Fourth to watch our fireworks because we have a pretty good show,” Moore said.
According to Moore, Main Street between Fifth and Ninth streets will be closed for the event. Planned attractions include a DJ, live music by the band Driver, water slides, face painting, yard games and a children’s activity area.
Moore encouraged local organizations to participate through vendor booths, fundraising opportunities and family activities.
“I was just thinking for the toddlers,” Moore said while describing the proposed kids’ area. “Just trying to get more activities for kids and for parents to be able to come out and have a good time.”
The city is also promoting a rib cook-off competition with cash prizes of $1,000 for first place, $750 for second place and $250 for third place.
Those interested in participating as a vendor, entering the rib cook-off or car and motorcycle show, or volunteering can contact Joanna Moore at 530-624-2030 or acm@cityofcolusa.gov
Beyond the holiday celebration, Moore also updated Rotarians on several city projects currently underway.
Moore said work continues the new restroom project, which has experienced delays due to material deliveries. The city also continues work on a new well project and is preparing to bid a major sewer infrastructure project along Eighth Street after recently receiving funding approval.
Moore explained that the city has intentionally delayed repairs on Eighth Street until the underground sewer work is completed.
“We don’t want to fix it, muck it up, fix it again,” Moore said.
She also reported progress on the Westcott Road project, which is now expected to be completed by July 31.
“I know it feels like it’s taking forever, but construction, it just happens,” Moore said. “Our city is old, obviously. Our infrastructure is even older. So when they run into issues that delays things.”
Moore said the city is actively pursuing several grants, including funding for road improvements, bicycle lanes near schools and equipment for local fire departments. One regional grant application would provide updated communication equipment for fire agencies throughout Colusa County, while another seeks funding for wildland firefighting gear.