A proposal to end school-versus-school sports competition among Puyallup junior high schools appears dead, at least for next school year.

A news item on the Puyallup School District Web site says the district found $80,000 in savings elsewhere in the 2009-10 district budget, which will allow seventh- and eighth-grade interscholastic competition to remain.

The plan is subject to approval by the coaches' association and the School Board.

Meanwhile, the district will launch a comprehensive review of all the district's secondary athletic programs next year.

Earlier this year, the district proposed making junior high sports "intramural," meaning schools would have athletics but students would compete against teams within their own school.

The proposal drew loud complaints from parents and community members, who said competing against other schools was a big part of athletics.

To read the Puyallup District Web news item, click here.

The future of Tacoma’s Freedom Fair Independence Day celebration will depend on whether a public accustomed to free admission is willing to chip in to cover its expenses, organizers say.

The Tacoma Events Commission, a nonprofit group that has organized the July 4 celebration for 30 years, announced today it will charge admission of $5 per adult, $1 per child and $10 per family for the event on Ruston Way.

Doug Miller, the group’s executive director, said the fee is voluntary and no one will be turned away.

But Miller said the group needs to raise $75,000 from admission charges to break even. If it doesn’t, this could be the last year for one of the nation’s premiere Fourth of July celebrations.

“If the public doesn’t realize the urgency and respect the value of this event (and) contribute at the level we’re asking for, I don’t see how we’re going to be able to continue beyond this Fourth of July,” Miller said.

Freedom Fair typically draws 100,000 people to Ruston Way for an air show, car show, musical acts, fireworks and other festivities The event has been called one of the best events of its kind in the nation by numerous publications.

Miller said Freedom Fair costs about $1 million annually, though about $800,000 of the cost is covered by time, equipment and other resources donated by organizations like the U.S. military and local medial outlets, plus hundreds of individual volunteers.

Business sponsorships and vendor fees cover most of the remaining expenses, which include everything from fireworks to rent and insurance. This year those cash costs will be about $250,000, Miller said.

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Another sign of the times: For the first time, Tacoma's beloved Fourth of July event, The Freedom Fair, will ask fairgoers for voluntary admission donations this year. In a press release, event organizers blamed rising costs and lower revenues for the move. "A troubled economy has resulted in fewer sponsorships, donations, and volunteers for local events in 2009," the release says.

The festival is asking families for a $10 donation or $5 per adult and $1 per child. Tacoma Events Commission Executive Director Doug Miller notes that's an excellent value for an event that includes live music, an air show and a fireworks display, among other things.

"Survival and growth of the event will come down to the willingness of the public to contribute a voluntary admission fee at the event entrances," the press release states.

More details in the full press release below:

The Tacoma Events Commission, a nonprofit organization of community volunteers that for 30 years has presented the 4th of July celebration on Ruston Way, is seeking help. Rising costs and lower revenues are making admission changes necessary.

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