COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KKTV)—The Festival of Lights and Pikes Peak Pride were the topics of conversation during a city council meeting on Tuesday. The council was discussing a tax that would give each tens of thousands of dollars each year.
“It went from a significant source of funding to zero funding,” executive director for the Festival of Lights Kevin Leonardo said.
$32,200 is how much funding the Festival of Lights got for this year’s event from the Lodgers and Automobile Rental Tax or LART tax. But next year the parade will get none.
“We’re disappointed the funding has gone away,” Leonardo said.
In this funding, four organizations will get more money than in previous years, one of which is Pikes Peak Pride, which saw a $20,000 increase. Something council member Dave Donelson took issue with.
“Is this an event that reflects the communities values? I don’t think it is,” Donselson said in the meeting.
Donelson’s vote was one of two against the funding allocations. The motion passed by a five to two vote. Those with Pikes Peak Pride say they are honored to be getting the funding as they prepare for the tens of thousands of attendees at the event in 2025.
“It’s going to allow us to bring in more local vendors, local entertainment to really expand the festival for our local community,” board member and secretary for Pikes Peak Pride Suzy Sanchez said.
As for the Festival of Lights, officials say they will be relying on community support to make up for the gap in funding.
“It’s just a new challenge for us to find community support in this community to rally together to find the support to continue to put this parade,” Leonardo said.
The other organizations that will get additional funding include the Alianza de Futbol Soccer Tournament, the U.S. Senior Open Championship and Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance which received ten thousand more in funding.
The Festival of Lights does have other funding but officials say this does provide challenges.
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