Hi CCOB Neighbors,
As the summer heat blankets Austin and the anticipation of Independence Day builds, it is with heavy hearts that we must announce the unfortunate cancellation of this year’s highly anticipated 4th of July parade and potluck. Despite our best efforts, a shortage of volunteers and limited funds have made it impossible to organize and host the event that has become a cherished tradition in our community. This decision was not taken lightly, and we understand the disappointment it may bring. Nevertheless, we remain committed to exploring alternative ways to celebrate and foster community spirit in the future.
Lack of Volunteers:
One of the key factors that led to the cancellation of this year’s event was the lack of available volunteers. The 4th of July parade and potluck has always been made possible by the dedicated individuals who generously offer their time and energy to ensure its success. Unfortunately, this year, we were unable to gather the necessary manpower to coordinate and manage the various aspects of the event, from organizing the parade to coordinating the potluck.
Financial Constraints:
Another significant challenge we faced was limited funds. The parade and potluck has historically relied on dues paying members to help cover expenses such as decorations, entertainment, and food for the potluck. Regrettably, this year, the financial support needed to bring the event to life was not forthcoming, making it impossible to meet the necessary financial obligations.
Exploring Alternatives:
While canceling the 4th of July parade and potluck is undoubtedly disheartening, it does not mean the spirit of celebration and community is lost. As a resilient community, we are determined to find alternative ways to commemorate this important day. We encourage residents to consider organizing smaller neighborhood gatherings, barbecues, or picnics to enjoy the holiday together while adhering to any local health and safety guidelines.
Community Collaboration:
The cancellation of this year’s event serves as a reminder of the importance of community collaboration and involvement. We understand that people lead busy lives, and it can be challenging to find time to volunteer. However, we urge everyone to consider offering their assistance for future community events. By coming together and pooling our resources, we can ensure the longevity of cherished traditions that bring us closer as a community.
Call to Action:
If you are passionate about community events and would like to be involved in organizing future celebrations, we encourage you to view the open volunteer positions on our website. Your support, whether through volunteering or paying your dues, can make a tremendous difference and help ensure the success of future events. Please join our next Board meeting on July 18th at 7pm, hosted at 9507 Tea Rose Trail. Bring your own chair as our CCOB President is hosting for the last time since her home has sold and everything is packed up.
While this news may be disappointing, it presents an opportunity for our community to reflect on the importance of coming together and supporting one another. Let us use this setback as motivation to work towards creating stronger bonds and revitalizing our commitment to celebrating our nation’s independence in the years to come.
Volunteers needed for an event of this size for future consideration:
Lead for event planning/host planning meetings/arrange volunteers for items below
Creator of Flyer for event
Organizer for food, set up, tear down
Organizer of music/entertainment/bounce house
Distributors of flyers – door to door
Organizer for Fire Truck
General CCOB Volunteers needed:
President
Secretary
City of Austin Liaison
Membership
Lawn Service Liaison (organize lawn services, tree trimming, Spring/Fall cleanup events/Fire ant treatment)
Marketing – Marquee updater