After half a century, Eagan's annual July 4th festival may have reached its finale.
The nonprofit group that plans and operates Eagan's Funfest is disbanding at the end of the summer because of a lack of interest from volunteers and a board of directors with many members on their way out. The group is trying to find another organization to take over, but it's possible that this year could be Funfest's last.
"It will definitely be sad to see it go if it does," said Julian Ross, who serves on the board of directors. "It's a tradition that's been around for many families for a long time."
One unnamed group has expressed interest in taking over the festival but has yet to make a firm commitment, Ross said.
The festival, a multiday bonanza including a car show, fireworks and Texas Hold'em tournament, will be beefed up this year to celebrate its 50th anniversary. What's typically a two-day festival will stretch into three days, starting Saturday. There will be live bands, a big parade and a fireworks show.
In its earliest days, Funfest was very small — just a group of local children riding around town on decorated bicycles. As the event grew, civic groups collaborated with the city to host it.
In 2006, the nonprofit Funfest Committee formed to manage the festival. More than two dozen volunteers serve on the committee, including a 10-member board.
More than half the board members have been with the committee from the beginning and are approaching the end of 10-year term limits. Meanwhile, the number of volunteers signing up to help with day-of operations has fallen steadily.
