The Edmonds Chamber of Commerce announces that our 4th of July celebration “An Edmonds Kind of Fourth” will be canceled for the first time since WWII. Due to the current coronavirus response and governors Phased Reopening Plan, it will not be possible for the estimated 18,000 Edmonds residents and participants to join in celebration of our Independence Day.
“It pains us to announce the cancellation of our beloved 4th of July celebration.” said Greg Urban, President & CEO of the Edmonds Chamber. “This community celebration has been a signature event for the Edmonds Chamber since 1907. It has always served as a point in time where we all connect, come together and show pride in our city and nation. Many recall attending as a kid, bringing their own children and eventually their grandchildren to the parades and events.” said Urban.
The Chamber of Commerce, a community nonprofit organization, has produced the city’s July 4th celebration since 1907, along with many of the events that help make Edmonds the kind of place we love to live and work. Taste Edmonds, Car Show, Halloween Trick-or-Treat, Tree Lighting Ceremony and Clam Chowder Cook-off are some of the popular Chamber events designed to promote the vibrancy and community of Edmonds.
Unfortunately, due to the current COVID-19 situation and disruption of normal business operations for so many, along with the uncertain timeline for when full community commerce and events may return, An Edmonds Kind of Fourth may not be the only Edmonds Chamber event canceled in 2020.
Facing Realities
The Edmonds Chamber is funded primarily in two ways. First, through annual memberships by local Edmonds businesses and some non-business “family” memberships. Second, through revenue generated at events like Taste Edmonds. In fact, Taste Edmonds is the primary source of revenue each year for the Chamber. Money raised at that event allows the hosting of large free community events like 4th of July.=
Many businesses, feeling the crush of either closing their doors at this time or operating with less revenue, have not been able to afford their membership dues and membership revenues are expected to steeply decline in the coming months.
With the cancellation of the 4th of July and potentially the Taste Edmonds in August, the non-profit will no longer have the necessary funds to maintain operations and keep the small staff of three going.
For the first time in the organization’s 113 years, the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce is at risk of being no more.
The Chamber is a non-profit organization that gives back to our City in many ways, not only through the beloved community events it hosts but also through business advocacy and networking programs that are a valued resource to local business owners.
The Chamber also gives back to the community directly channeling nearly $400,000 to local vendors and service providers, in addition to donations to other non-profits such as Boys & Girls Club, Edmonds-Woodway High School, Edmonds Lions Club, Edmonds Kiwanis and many others.
“The Edmonds Chamber has been a longtime supporter of Edmonds-Woodway High School with the annual Waste Warriors effort at Taste Edmonds. The students and parents volunteer for three days of hard work picking up trash and in return, receive a donation to help fund the safe and sober graduation party,” says Kelsey Foster, 2020 graduation party co-chair. “Possibly losing one of the biggest fundraisers for next year’s Class of 2021 graduation party will be tough to recover from.”
How you can help…
For the first time in its history, the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce is reaching out to the community and individual residents to ask for YOUR help.
You can support this vital community organization by joining the Edmonds Chamber as a non-business/individual member. Your membership helps ensure the future of our large community events and beloved annual traditions by keeping the Edmonds Chamber in place. Your dog can even become a member—to date we have two canine members.
The cost for an annual individual membership is $125. It is just like an NPR membership and can be paid annually, quarterly or monthly. Click here to join.
Or if you simply want to donate to help support the Edmonds Chamber, you can make a direct donation of support at the Edmonds Chamber website.
The Edmonds Chamber has been serving our great community since 1907. Now is a time that we need your help so we can continue to serve you. Thank you for your support!