The City of Fishers released a statement Thursday morning, saying it is dedicated to honoring the Fishers Freedom Festival’s tradition in future events, including the annual parade.  The statement was issued after the festival committee announced late Wednesday night it will not have the financial resources to stage the mid-summer event at Holland Park in 2018.

The Fishers City Council formed a committee earlier this year as part of the budget process to review financial support the city provides to local nonprofit groups.  Nonprofit organizations were asked to apply for financial support, and the Freedom Festival submitted an application.

“Through the application process, (Fishers Freedom Festival) was unable to demonstrate fiscal independence, and the nonprofit committee felt it was best to allocate the grant dollars to benefit multiple nonprofits in an effort to help a greater number of residents,” according to the city statement.

“The Fishers Freedom Festival traditionally received half of the City’s nonprofit grant budget in addition to in-kind services, the equivalent to 10 percent of the Fishers Parks and Recreation budget,” the city said in its written statement.

The Fishers Parks and Recreation Department will take the lead on planning the summer event in 2018.  City spokesperson Ashley Elrod tells LarryInFishers the planning process for the 2018 event will begin now, in light of the festival committee’s announcement late Wednesday.

The city announced earlier this year that the financial support for nonprofit organizations would be allocated to the following groups:

Ascent 121 – assistance for survivors of human trafficking

·         Cherish – child advocacy and abuse intervention and prevention services

·         Conner Prairie Museum, Inc. – interactive history park and Smithsonian-affiliate museum

·         Geist Half Marathon – annual marathon fundraiser for youth health and wellness programs

·         Hamilton County Leadership Academy – a community leadership development program

·         Hamilton County Youth Assistance for Fishers Youth Assistance Program – develop and provide access to programs and services that promote positive growth experiences and enhance home and community relationships.

·         Hamilton Southeastern School Foundation – its mission is to bring the next best practices in education home to local students and teachers

·         Janus Developmental Services – provides adult individuals with disabilities the opportunity to participate and contribute within the community

·         Nickel Plate Arts – supports, promotes and provides outstanding arts experiences in Fishers

·         Spaceport Exploration – supports STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math) education that prepares America for the technologies that are shaping the world

·         Youth Mentoring Initiative (YMI) – provides mentoring for students by building and sustaining a mentoring community with the highest level of service, integrity, encouragement, and empathy.

·         City of Fishers Neighborhood Matching Grant – supports neighborhood beautification projects

·         City of Fishers Tree Matching Grant – supports neighborhood tree planting