Coarse language denotes incivility and ignorance. I was in a fairly empty bar a few years ago where a patron at the front was making loud declarations to his companions on various subjects that invariably incorporated liberal use of the very flexible word that begins with "F". I remarked to my friend, who is a die hard Republican, that it seemed as if our then current vice president was in the establishment.

As long as we are complaining about the Gazette. Why did they block off their parking lot during this event? Lack of parking last year is why I didn't attend this year.

Why does it have to be a drawn out 3 day affair? Get rid of the carnival, the bands that offend most people, and let people know that parking isn't a problem. On the 4th pick activities like raft races, volleyball, softball, food, the Aguajays and fireworks. You would bring the family feel back to it and not have to have 3 days worth of volunteers you need to come up with. Use some common sense to it all. Just because the Jaycees tried to do a 3 day event doesn't mean another service group has to keep it a 3 day event.

What part don't you understand that it wasn't the Odd Fellows fault of where it was. The city had decided where it was going to be before they even told them. The CITY put it the paper before they told the organization! Get it through your heads. If you have an issue about where the 4th is being taken at then go to the city board and complain to them. I would much rather have my children somewhere safe then in soil that is all nasty still from the flood. AGAIN IT WAS THE CITIES CHOICE TO HAVE IT WHERE IT WAS THIS YEAR!!!!!!

Bring it back to Traxler where it belongs. The location is ideal and friendly and centralized.

The city is obligated to support the downtown area.

We decided not to go this year due to the fact that last year my wife and I spent most of our time asking young teenagers and their parents to watch their language around our kids. Janesville’s main problem is the extremely high population of classless hicks. The fair is just around the corner and it’s the only one where you can’t tell the difference between the carnies and patrons.

irishbychoice: I know that taxpayer dollars are not used for the fireworks. What I mean by "city fireworks" is simply the fireworks that are done on the 4th for the city of Janesville.

Maybe most people just don't care about fireworks and carnivals any more. You can't force people to do something that they do not enjoy. I think that the organizers and volunteers did everything that they could, but it is hard to draw people out of their cocoons these days for anything. Whether that is bad or good is beside the point. It appears to be a fact of life in the 21st century.

deltafox: You know,,,,there might be something to that...even if we split the funds between both projects. Not a bad idea at all. Hmmmmmmm

How about taking that $435000 for the bike trail and make a trust fund that would pay for fire works for the next 20 years?

What good does a poll on the gayzette do for the 4TH celebration? I think the general public has sent a message that they don't have any extra funds to spend right now. I don't want the 4TH celebration to go away at all, but as it has been said before, new ideas need to come into play to attract people.

Thanks, mythoughts2.

Guess I was blind, but it must have been a good idea! :-)

@fatty356

The Jaycees no longer exist in Janesville, WI. Their charter got pulled.

I know some people that were in the jaycees and they all said the same thing: The haunted house/train ride was how they funded the firework show... and it was always the october haunted house/train that funded the months befores firework show.

The Odd Fellows wanted the show at Traxler. If you want it there / wanted it there talk to the Janesville City Council.

I think that the fireworks were good. Not as good as last year but they were good. Now, the rides that were there were not safe looking. I bought tickets before I looked at all of the rides. First, the prices were crazy and second, they looked like they were going to break any second. It was 4 dollars for my daughter to ride the merry go round and if I wanted to take my 2 yr old on it I would have to pay 4 dollars for her and 4 dollars for me, so one ride would be 12 tickets (dollars). I will go next year because it's Janesville, but I hope they hire better carnies :)

Hornet--the poll has been on the website since yesterday. It is right above the pictures of the event.

GAZETTE STAFF: You might consider putting up a poll on your website to determine if people want a fireworks display next year or not, if they want it at Traxler or Sports Complex (if they have any say) -- and if they'd help to fund it as a community project.

===============
Janesville/Rock County residents:

Do you...or do you not...want an event for the 4th of July? If you want memories for your children (as most of us who post here do), then ante up your time and/or your money and/or your ideas -- at least your verbal support.

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Want ideas for an event?

Look at this link to see what gets voted tops around the nation and scale it for Janesville's desires. Either you get what you pay for, or you have to be very creative to get something for free.

http://www.fireworksguide.com/

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Here's a note to anyone who wants to participate in the planning of a function in the future for Janesville:

If it's totally free, the public "might" attend. Even if it's totally free, some (including quite a few posters on this forum) will always complain about it.

(Just think about your family's Christmas holidays. Do all the members of your family show up when invited - even if they're getting a free meal out of it? Do some show up and always make trouble? Remember that all (non-)attendees for these types events are someones' relatives. Take it in stride.)

I visited the festivals in both Milton and Janesville. Milton has a very well rounded festival. A 10-K and 1 mile fun run (participants from all over southern Wisconsin were there), a great parade (my kids thought it was Halloween in July with the candy) and a nice softball tourney.

The Janesville festival has been limping along for a number of years. The Odd Fellows did a wonderful community service by taking over the event at the last minute. Until the Janesville event can overcome the beer and band stigma I think it will continue to flounder. Freedom Fest fits the bill but something else is still needed...on a budget of course.

A tough nut to crack.

www.spend-local.com

to delafox, half the organizers are unemployed and understand. the Oddfellows wern't looking to profit just pay for the show. Don't need to drink the beer there was great root beer and food in the food court very reasonably priced. check it out if it ever happens again.

rickwantsmoney- the thermacell products work great for mosquitoes - good for those sitting around a table or just together on the ground.

And since I can see them from my house, I'll be sending something to the address. At least something got published.

I want to thank all the powers that be for the most Beautiful Fireworks that we have seen in a couple of years!! If I could make a suggestion for all those last minute problems you ran into with the Jaycees and the lack there of, of $$ that most are short... When I was young in Illinois and in scouting we went door to door for donations, now that probably won't work in today's neighborhoods unfortunately!! So, set up stands by all the Box stores for other times than to sell just cookies, etc. Or... Give us addresses to mail or email donations to starting NOW!!!...
As for changing it back to Trexler Pk. not sure that is a good suggestion, due to new construction going up etc. We got there at 6 and had lots of choices of places to sit, that would be very accessible for a GREAT Show!!!
Odd Fellows etc., did have donation jars out and not too much going into them, The raffle was there but you really could have anounced the drawing times better, maybe share the microphone of the band??!
All in all, it was AWESOME!! Thank you for all you did with what you had to work with! Looking forwards to next year at the Sports Complex!
P.S. Thanks to the Police and all auxillary members too!

I don't think its fair to put on this major production and then ask people to donate and complain when they don't.....this town is faced with many hardships currently.Shame on the Odd Fellows for suggesting the lack of community pride. Maybe next year they will think more carefully before expecting the community to pay back their debts.

bigsmurf: Just a clarification, the fireworks are not paid for by the City of Janesville. They have always been organized and funded by a private group (Jaycees, now Odd Fellows) that depend on donations. No public funds (tax dollars) are used to pay for the fireworks, so they are not the "city" fireworks.

mythoughts2: thanks for the address!

Donations can be made to Odd Fellows Lodge #14, 22 Main St. Janesville 53545

I have said for the past few years that the New Life fireworks and the city fireworks should be combined. It would be a great show! Also, how come New Life's fireworks and carnival are completely FREE and yet every year for the city's fireworks on the 4th people are expected to pay out their butts for their family??? People do not have that kind of money!

Hate to say it, but the mosquitoes were what kept us from going out. I just hate the thought of having to douse myself full of chemicals and then try to sit still to watch fireworks while swatting at bugs that are still flying in ones face. It just makes the experience unpleasant (guess I'm older and grouchier than I used to be). If someone can come up with a way to keep the bugs away from a large area, let me know and I'll be there next time! (And yes, an actual "snail-mail" addy of a place to send donations would be appreciated.) If I can see them through my window, I should cough up a buck or two for the pleasure.

Funny we dont have that problem in Beloit, thousands and thousands were on the shores of Riverside park for our fireworks which were fully funded. But Im sure janesville people will just trash us and say we go to anything thats free.

Maybe if they had their celebration at the new Buffalo Wild Wings. That place is always crowded. The local economy doesn't seem to effect how much people are willing to pay for chicken wings. Anyway, I do feel sorry for the organizers. I've been to celebrations in cities with less 1/10 the population of Janesville that have been better attended.

"It kind of makes me ashamed to be a member of the Janesville community when they don't come out and celebrate the freedom of this country," said Dale Stevenson
And with that attitude, you wonder why your attendance was dismal, and your "donations" were low.
Try to remember Dale, that this community is suffering massive unemployment, an economic downturn, and people are having to work harder to make less. Sometimes the time to party and the means to party are hard to come by. I don't think that it is a reflection of anyone forgetting to celebrate their freedom. I just think it is a reflection of peoples priorities. Put food on the table, or spend money at the beer tent and carnival rides? What would you do? We enjoyed the free fireworks and appreciate it very much, but didn't spend a dime at the complex. Why? Because I have to choose between groceries and beer money. Beer money lost, sorry. Also, doing something like this and expecting to profit is like loaning your family members money. They rarely appreciate it, and they usually don't pay you back.
Attention 4-H planners, take a lesson from the 4th of July celebrations, and be prepared for a low fair turn out, also.

This comment is for newspapers, as well as organizations who rely on donations, whether it is for a community event, fund raiser for medical bills or whatever. INCLUDE AN ADDRESS where donations can be sent! To assume only locals will write a check is short-sighted. "Anchor Bank" tells me nothing. Yeah, I could search the Internet and maybe find an address, but I won't, and most don't. If you want money, make it easy for us out-of-towners to pop a check in the mail.

keep it at traxler and then i will come otherwise forget it. i never attended since they switched it.

I think the Janesville fireworks were great, and I appreciate the Odd Fellows stepping-up for the good of the community. The Sports Complex is a much better location than Traxler Park for wider visibility of the fireworks. Perhaps fundraising and donation collections throughout the year would help finance the event a little better than the current process. I also think it would be helpful if the City of Janesville would change the rules about the beer tent. It's wrong to treat people who enjoy a couple of beers on a summer day as if they're second class citizens. The powers-that-be in Janesville seem to think that a beer tent equates to trouble and makes it as restrictive as possible. Why do other communities successfully have beer tents while Janesville is less hospitable in that regard? Perhaps the event attendance would be enhanced if it was coupled with a nice softball tournament, which would be a natural draw and far better than a 3rd-class carnival.

We were out there several times and Thursday & Friday nothing was even open until later in the day. We weren't the only ones out there that wasted a trip. You could've made some money right there...

Thank you to the Odd Fellows for putting on a wonderful fireworks show! Perhaps it is time to simply put on a fireworks show (and fund it by raising money throughout the year) and forget the carnival/beer tent/etc.
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As for location, there are pros/cons to any site. The sports complex is completely accessible by foot or bike (the bike path ends near the intersection of Ruger and Wuthering Hills) for those of you who don't want to fight the traffic.

everyone is ragging about going to Milton instead of Janesville. The 4th of July has nothing to do with staying in your own "community". You have the freedom to celebrate it whereever you choose!

I definately appreciate the effort and did donate as well. I went to the carnival but watched the fireworks from a distance to avoid the large crowd while leaving. I didn't spend much money at the carnival because I didn't think it was worth it. The comments leading up to the celebration turned me off as well and made me not want to go, but I still did.

Unlike a lot of other people, I like the location at the sports complex. I think the fireworks are visable for a much larger crowd being up on the top of the hill. There is plenty of room to expand the event with other games like softball or vollyball etc. which hasn't happened yet but would make a difference. This wouldn't be even possible at Traxler. You could even charge a small entry fee for the tournament teams, that would help offset some of the costs as well as boost the attendance. Plus for me it is closer.

All in all, I enjoy the event and don't want it to go away. I want my children to have good memories of the Fourth of July as I do from my childhood. I do think improvements can be made to help out the attendance and donations, as most things can be improved with a little change.

Wow.... such negative comments. I didn't expect that. I volunteered for a portion of the events for the Odd Fellows and the Rebekahs and was very impressed by both of their organizations. I also donated towards the fireworks as my children and grandchildren enjoy them so much. I am grateful to both groups for providing the 4th of July fireworks for our community this year and am sorry that they seem to be getting a lot of flack for it. I also know a few OddFellows and a few Rebekahs and can tell you that they only took over this event so that the community could still have fireworks on the 4th of July. Their hearts are in the right place. They took on this major event for you....all of you. We cannot leave them holding the bag..so to speak..with this kind of debt. It just takes funds away from what they really are all about....helping those in need throughout the year. For those of you who cannot afford to donate towards this...may God bless you. For those of you can and have not done so, please do. And for those of you who already have, thank you and God bless. And a big thank you to the Independent Order of OddFellows and the Rebekahs for taking on such a huge challenge to host the event...I think you all did an awesome job....from me and the munchkins.....Love you all!

unfortunately you bring about what you think about. It sounds like the attitude about the event was negative from the start. I would have to say some of that is probably left over from the Jaycees running it. The problem I see at this point is I have NEVER seen where I can donate to the event before the event. It was poorly advertised.
If anyone is going to do it next year, planning ahead for donations would probably be key and advertise the event.
I personally did not watch any fireworks this year. We went up north and camped instead and just enjoyed family.

Not everyone likes fireworks! I had a good show in my backyard...courtesy of the neighbors! I don't like crowds of people either. We had our own celebration.

fatty356...where have you been? The jaycees had troubles funding the fireworks for several years. They never had the money before the event and had to cough up dough after. Last year, Jim Hallbach bailed them out by paying for the fireworks. The jaycees aren't coming back...the Janesville Jaycees went belly-up and don't exist anymore.

I don't feel there is much point of going to the city 4th of July carnival, when our family can enjoy a free carnival with better fireworks at FREEDOM FEST the week before. The rides are free, the concert is free, and the fire works are double what the city has. Then, when we donate towards that, we know it's going to the festival and the church. It's also nice to avoid the drinking crowd.

"It kind of makes me ashamed to be a member of the Janesville community when they don't come out and celebrate the freedom of this country," said Dale Stevenson

I celebrated the 4th MY way because it is a FREEDOM I have in this great country. I don't need Stevenson to dictate HIS way to me. People should be FREE to celebrate however they please.

Hard times are here. Most people I know had picnics in their back yards. People bring a dish to pass. Sure it was free to get in. Food, Rides,Etc. cost money. For $5.00 a vehicle We went to Devil's Lake State Park. Hiking, swimming, Baseball, picnic. Went to free Fireworks in Baraboo. What a wonderful back to basic Holiday.

"It kind of makes me ashamed to be a member of the Janesville community when they don't come out and celebrate the freedom of this country," said Dale Stevenson,

How dare you. How dare you pass judgment on this community especially when you have no solid information regarding reasons associated with "poor" attendance. With that kind of attitude, we don't want your support for any kind of activity.

I don't know what all the expenses were, but carnivals are usually a significant cost and are not usually a big draw. Bands are another cost with iffy drawing power. No matter what music is playing, someone wants something else. Maybe a single day event with kids games, food, raffle, music, beer, and fireworks are all that is needed. Make money from raffle, food and beer sales. Scale down from 3 days to just the one day. But even with cost cutting measures, if the people of Janesville want a celebration held here, they must be willing to donate or spend some money here.

I as well as pretty much everyone I know are stayed home with the kids and did the bbq and fireworks thing. Very disappointed this event has moved from traxler. I think the central location was much more convenient and not the mess of traffic I have heard about this new location. Many people walk in to the traxler location. Try putting it back at Traxler , see how that works.

Mr Stevenson is well aware of the financial difficulties, he and his family are affected drastically by the unemployment rate.The Oddfellows and rebekahs would like to see some support from the community. $1 for every person in Janesville would provide for a fund to support this years celebration now and in the future years to come. The carnival contract was a 2 year contract with the jaycees, the Oddfellows and Rebekahs stepped up and honered the 2nd year, in hindsight yea not a good thing. The carnival was contracted for more rides than what they had there period. As far as organizing yes a full year would be nice, there was not a year for the organization to plan JUST 4 MONTHS. Location was determined by the city no choice to use traxler. As far as volunteers, looked like more than enough volunteers. As far as drunkfest ask the extremely bored officers that were on site, seemed to be a very calming and nice atmosphere in the beer garden. A few dollars to help pay for fireworks that a lot of people saw from all over, is that really to much to ask for????????????? My donation is in the mail to 22 N. main St.

I think the Milton softball tourney really helps...there are 32 teams that come there at least 4 times (games)32x 10 players plus fans and ect. make it a must go to event...I live in Janesville and if they had one that was worth going to we would. Last year they also had 50/50 raffles to help support the fireworks. The Milton FFA has the right idea. Plus in Milton people don't look down on you for having a beer. You really do have the resources to have a good event but the city won't let you. I'm sorry Good Fellows if you do get donation boxes I'll put money in but I won't be attending your event.

in_my_opinion:
Yes; that was what I noted on a prior posting on this subject. people seem to miss the 800 lbs gorilla in the room, being the dismal state of the economy, and an unemployment rate in the area that nears the top among the entire country.
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I think the attendance was actually very close to any other year. There is no accurate way to count the people who saw the show. Many (including myself) went, and did not go to the festivities, food courts, ext and simply watched the fireworks display. I don't think attendance in people who went to watch the fireworks was down, just the amount of $$$ that was spent. That totally makes sense in this economic environment. While moving it from Traxler also has taken away from it, I don't care what anyone thinks. The atmosphere is just not nearly the same when it's in the middle of no where at the JYSC. While Traxler also carries quite a bit of nostalgia to many who have seen it there for decades. When you take that away, many will just say forget it. I know I for one won't go any more if it's not moved back to Traxler.

I thought the fireworks were excellent and really enjoyed them. Parking was a nightmare but traffic was well directed getting out. I plan on making a donation because I really appreciated the fireworks, however, the carnival was horrible. The carnies were relentless trying to get little kids to play the games. I ended up spending $6 for my 4 year old to catch three fish only to get a very small stuffed fish, with the option of getting a bigger prise if I forked up more money. Next year I'll skip the carnival and donate towards the fireworks.

I think the attendance issue is pretty easy to figure out...People are broke!!! Fireworks are free but carnival rides, face painting and food are not. Maybe a lot of people did some sort of backyard BBQ so they didn't have to tell their kids once again that they don't have any money!
It has nothing to do with being patriotic...They can be patriotic at home!

Maybe nobody has any money to waste on something since all are jobs are going to foreign junk people buy in Janesville area. Wake up and buy American.

not be sound like a broken record to those who have heard it but, did anyone else take notice that attendance was always higher when it was on the river? it was tradition for some people! it made a whole lot more sense to have it in the middle of town...you could even walk there.... its not safe to go walk anywhere near the sports center, unless you have driven all the way out there.... I think the lack of attendance is due to a dislike for the new location and the way it was hosted.... Jaycees please come back and save the 4th its ruined! i also agree these are very difficult times and people are not spending money on things they don't need, but i still think attendance would have been better if it was still on the river, even the echo of the explosion on the riverwas part of what we used to go for, it was all part of the experience and the show. and as for the people complaining about funding for the odd fellows...its funny how the jaycees always had the money b4 the show....not after... they only bought as much as they could afford to buy....maybe planning would be a good idea next year if you host it. oh and i agree insulting your customers, or would be customers is not a good way to get them to come next year.... don't expect to see me around any odd fellows functions after comments like that!

The Sports Complex is the perfect place to have the fireworks and celebration. My family never attended when it was at Traxler because of the location and we have enjoyed both years at the Sports Complex very much.

funny, i thought having the show at the youth facility made it much more accessible. seating at traxler is very limited. the hospital has built a parking ramp so you can't sit there anymore. there are various parking lots near downtown but all of them have obstructed views.
at the youth complex, you can see the event for miles. i hope they keep it there.
one other thing, if the show in milton was better, then it must've been one helluva show -- the janesville fireworks display was tremendous.

I attended school in Milton but live just outside of Janesville city limits. Which would you attend? I have attended Janesville's in the past at Traxler but have always known more people and felt more comfortable in Milton. I have nothing against Janesville and hope the 4th festivities, wherever it is held, doesn't die.

By the way, the fireworks were great, especially considering the reduced budget.

"It kind of makes me ashamed to be a member of the Janesville community when they don't come out and celebrate the freedom of this country,"

Wow. Blaming your customers is never a good business plan. A whole lot of people "celebrated the freedom of this country", judging by the cheers after the fireworks. The problem is that they didn't spend money. I think the Odd fellows should focus on raising money for the fireworks, and let other organizations worry about any festivities. Freedom Fest takes about 350 volunteers, the help of six churches and a lot of donations from church members to put on their one-day event. Do the Odd Fellows have that kind of membership?

@ everyone who was bashing the carnival end of the deal.. did we not read the part where it says "The carnival rides also didn't live up to expectations, even though twice as many rides as last year were expected, Stevenson said.

The carnival company was under contract with the Jaycees, but it booked another festival when the Jaycees announced they would not host the celebration, he said.

When the Odd Fellows took over, the carnival company agreed to come, but it didn't bring as many rides because it had double booked itself, Stevenson said.

"Not much we can do about it once they're there," he said. "They didn't live up to it.""..?

As far as traxler.. the city are the ones who put it else where. Ive talked to a few of the Odd Fellows who have said they would have rather have had it at Traxler.

Im glad the fireworks at Milton were better... great thing everyone plans on going there the next 20 years.

@ the Odd Fellows, go back to doing what you do best... helping people in the community. I suggest you guys dont do it again, especially if everyone plans on driving an extra 20 minutes to go see fireworks.

Economy being crappy or not, I think you guys did a great job.

At least the Odd Fellows tried. Didn't see any other groups jumping at the chance to pick up the Jaycee's f-up. Just remember, if you didn't even go, quit complainin. If you went and were disappointed, oh well. And as far as Traxler vs. Sports Complex: It was the City of Janesville and the P.D. that forced the event to the Sports Complex on a bogus claim of road contstruction. The Odd Fellows had nothing to do with that decision.

I can't believe you would rather go to Milton and celebrate instead of staying in your own community and celebrating. Isn't that like buying a Honda and working at GM? No wonder GM closed down. I think the Odd Fellows did a wonderful job with the limited resources they had. And if people had just looked in the local business they would have seen canister for donations, but I would guess they were to busy in the other surrounding cities buying what they need because they obviously wouldn't buy in their own city. I think the Odd Fellows should go back to doing what they do best, helping people in need. Let the whiney people of Janesville do without. They would rather be in Milton anyway.

If you want a bigger crowd, take the event back to Traxler Park. We had a neighborhood party and the complaint of everyone there was that it was moved from Traxler. We understood the need to move it when the park was flooded, but you seem to not realize how many people walked down to the park. Your current location has made the event unaccessible to many Janesville citizens.

I cordually invite all of you to Milton for the softball tournaments, beer tent, carnivals, volleyball, baseball and....oh yeah fireworks too!!
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Is a three day festival really needed to celebrate one day?

I celebrated without going to the 'drunkfest'. I celebrated at FreedomFest the week before (no drinkin, no smokin, free and a family environment). My daughter went down there with friends. As far as donations, well hello...what's the unemployment rate?!?! If you're embarassed to be a part of the Janesville community because you didn't get enough donations, support, attendance, etc. then I think you should be ashamed. May be you should look to see what FreedomFest offered the community. I haven't gone to the actual sight (Traxler Park or Sports Complex) in probably 10 years. And I have no intention of ever having to deal with the crowd other than FreedomFest (which isn't nearly as bad as the others). Should Janesville have a celebration? Absolutely. But just because people don't go to something doesn't make them anti-American.

Thank you OddFellows for trying! However, I did not see much advertising for the event. I attended, but had to ask around for the location. Traxler is a better location, I do realize that was not possible this year. Maybe the city can combine with the New Life Church? But then again, this IS Janesville and the citizens would yell about that too!

Where's Diamond Jim when you really need him??

Let me get this straight...the Gazette has a big ol' party at the new facility but doesn't contribute to the event financially? But the Gazette makes "us" pay for "real" news in print? The hypocrisy of it!

$$$$/jobs of people in Janesville had NOTHING to do with this.
In my previous life I used to plan large events. And it's time to reassess Janesville, 100%.
Another poster had an excellent idea of looking to other events (ie: Milton's event) and seeing how that is a success (which it REALLY is).
It is run, in part/whole by the Milton FFA Alumni: kids/adults. They have softball tournaments. A walk/run event. Fun little carnival. The mile swim. A great concession stand that generally benefits the FFA. A happenin' beer pavilion that is always billed as the "Milton Pseudo Class Reunion Spot." Really- past MHS classes send out the word/memos that everyone's meeting there at X time and people show up. It's great. This year we saw people from the class of '59-'05!
You are REALLY missing an opportunity to have far more than just music and a carnival at the sports complex- look at all of that space that you could be doing all sorts of events with!
It won't take money to turn the Janesville event around. It'll take a committee of do-ers, changers and planners that think outside of status quo. Time for CHANGE.
All this talk is making me want to call someone and volunteer to be a part of the change.... who would that be, exactly?

Dale Stevenson,
I agree with most of the other people here. I went to the family night and the fireworks. I do not think it is that the community does not want it. Nobody has the money to spend three or four dollars for a ride. My kids and I played the dart game and it was twelve dollars to play twice. I understand it has to be paid for by someone and that donations are a good way to go but "you cannot get blood from turnips". We donated money to the balloon clown and did the soccer kick. Times are tough and money is tight. Most of the rides that were there were for bigger kids, except the swings.The fireworks were great but we just do not have the money for the expensive rides and games.

I only comment on things that I feel strongly about and know the facts.

****The Odd Fellows and Rebekahs that presented the events this year had to wait until it was for sure that the Jaycees charter was pulled. There were multiple articles in the Gazette starting in February stating that donations could be made to Anchor Bank or sent to the Odd Fellows Lodge 14. The event that did take place was put togeher in 4 months when it has always taken at least 8 months to put together in the past.

****The bands were all local except one band, which was from Madison. The lead singer also helped throughout the event by being the sound guy for all bands. All of the local bands/entertainment are well known around Janesville and have a good following.

****The carival was double booked so there was not a large variety of rides. The carnival was not paid to come to this event. They make their money and give a percentage to the event. (before anyone asks, i do not have that figure).

****Odd Fellows and Rebekahs would have prefered Traxler to be the location for this event. The Veteran's Memorial is located there, and isn't that what the 4th is supposed to celebrate---the people that continue to sacrifice for our freedom? Traxler is also more accessible for people to walk to and the event has traditionally been held there. Unfortunately, the city did not feel that the grounds at Traxler were in good enough condition to have such a large event on this year.

Thank you for reading.

Another Janesville event seems to have fizzled off into the sunset. I think a lot of this comes down to the past events being so under funded and mis-managed the community members have made perminant plans to attend elsewhere. 1,000 people out of the entire Janesville community? Pathetic once again. I still cannot understand how a city of this size can have such poorly planned, under funded, under attented events. A city this size should have so much more to offer, it lacks in soooo many ways.

If a city the size of Janesville can't support a festival of this size, then let it go by the wayside. People can go to other area communities. I found the comments from the organizers in advance of the event a real turn-off...it seemed like it was doomed to fail. It all comes down to the fact that the festival biz is a tough even in good times.

'"It kind of makes me ashamed to be a member of the Janesville community when they don't come out and celebrate the freedom of this country," said Dale Stevenson' after his group themselves couldn't raise enough money for a decent fireworks show. Then he said maybe it was the weather.
'"It didn't go well. We didn't fare well on donations," Stevenson said. "We're very much in the red."' '"We were just looking to pay for the event," Stevenson said.'-- Maybe that's why he's so pissed. What a tool.
WHY DO YOU HAVE TO SPEND MONEY TO CELEBRATE THE FREEDOM OF OUR COUNTRY? I bet it has a lot to do with drunk driving penalties. People are staying safe and having more house parties. What a bunch of jerks huh? (sarcacm)

diablos.....ditto

I thought we were going to celebrate the 4th of November from now on so I missed out on the event. Sorry Fellows.

I think they need to bring it back to Traxler Park..

My donation is also on the way to cover what I can for this year. But, based on what I'm reading from the Janesville posters, I'm of the opinion that the Odd Fellows should pass on it for next year, unless...

They need to perform a SWOT/Strategic Plan process: What are the strengths of your own organization? What are your weaknesses? What are the other opportunities in the community (could other groups help as was just mentioned below)? What are the threats (Shows in other towns, weekends (7/4/2010 is a weekend holiday), economic times in the area)?

Once you've brainstormed all the possiblities, you might have more stakeholders to help with and "buy" into such a project next/future years. Maybe you really need a 4th of July group, which some Odd Fellows might be a part of - but it shouldn't be put on the backs of the one organization. It shouldn't rely on an individual who might leave in future years, but on a group -- continuity.

As to emotional statements by the staff: Been there, done that. When you believe what you're doing is for the "good" of the community -- for the childhood memories of our children -- and things don't work out, emotional comments come out. Most of us aren't trained pundits who know just what to say to the media. Please, posters, back off. They feel bad enough and are under a lot of stress. It was a long, long day and everyone involved were amateurs, meaning the did it for they love, not as a profession.

Who else will mail in some dough with me? I know some of you have some money...

Also where was the Gazettes support of the event? On Saturday I looked online to see what time the fireworks were and did not see one mention of the festival. My family ended up just driving over there to see if any fireworks were even happening. It would have been nice to see a schedule and list of what was happening throughout the weekend in the whole Gazette readership area. I guess they just rather show failure than support. Shame on you Gazette....

maybe people have decided to support another gathering. That being New Life's Freedom Fest. They somehow raise a much larger budget and do it every year, including this year, and increase the event every year. Maybe Janesville only needs 1 celebration. And dare i say...one without alcohol is okay. Shame on me.

I bet Jim Halbach is laughing is a** off right now!!!...... ha, ha, ha....

I am not part of the Odd Fellows group but I have a couple of things to say: suggestions are fine, but demanding things of this group, i.e. "Odd Fellows need to start taking donations now!" is not really the way to go about it, they don't NEED to start doing anything, they could just say the heck with it and save themselves a lot of hassle.
That said, I was a little bothered by some of the comments by a couple of the Odd Fellows both before and after the event. Saying things like "the community better come out and support us" and "I am ashamed to be a part of a community that doesn't come out and celebrate the 4th" doesn't help the cause at all, people get automatically turned off when you try to shame them or guilt them into things.
I was reluctant to type what I just did because criticizing volunteers is just not right, again, they didn't have to do what they did, and I for one am grateful that they tried. If they try again, and I hope they do, try to be a little less defensive and a little more positive.
p.s. my donation is on they way. As many of us as possible give what you are comfortable with if you are able. At least get them out of the whole for this year.

......and now I find out that both of my son's baseball games are cancelled tonight due to the carnival rides being still out in the fields. Another detail that apparently got overlooked. Way to go Odd Fellows!.....by the way, being ashamed to be part of Janesville due to Janesville not attending a poorly run and poorly organized event is a little over the line...don't you think? Had you planned a good event, people would have supported it.

These pictures are great! That cute little boy on the swing is adorable. Great shots, Kyle!

Odd Fellows need to start looking for donations NOW.. Maybe you should look at what Brodhead does for donations for their Fireworks.. They set up drop off bins throughout town for people to donate their Alummiun Cans..

Does anyone remember the "anything that floats raft race" that started at the 4-mile bridge? Wouldnt that be fun if that got started up again, it was always the first thing that took place to kick-off the day. They need more organizations to co-ordinate each activity. get the girl scouts/boy scouts, Boys/girls club, Janesville Youth baseball or the American Legion(tournaments) Marinas (for river activities), etc to each plan an event and schedule them throughout the day or weekend, then its not the responsibility of just one organization to pull the whole show off. I think we could do away with the trashy carnival, the 4-H Fair is coming in a few weeks! We need more variety in activities to draw a different crowd, not just the beer-tent and music.

It also doesn't help when the holiday falls on a Fri/Sat like that. Most people, myself included, took advantage of that to get out of town for the weekend. I did not watch any firework 'shows' this year, just the ya-whoos in my neighborhood and honestly, they were just as good as any of the 'shows' I've gone to. I also whole-heartedly agree with bullys statement. Janesville is not the town it used to be, never will. This is still a fresh wound and adjustments are still being made in everyone's budget. Don't get down on Janesville, just give it some time to heal and regrow.

Most people want to see fireworks. That's what it boils down too. If money is the problem, start the donations right now for next year and don't have a box somewhere months before or during the celebration. Make it very clear right now where people can donate the rest of the year in order for it to happen next year. It's obvious, if the money isn't there, it won't happen. As far as what draws people into the event. It's pretty sad that a majority of the people in Janesville go to Milton and have for years. They have great bands, a beer tent and softball tournaments, etc. It's more attractive to the public. Someone should take a look at how they run that operation and how they handle getting the finances and then build off of that. Start planning now.

Well, being out there at the Sports Complex Wednesday night and seeing the quality (or lack there of) of the rides and/or personnel setting up the rides, made me decide not to bring my kids to the event. There were several hundred people out there that night that probably thought the same thing and I would guess that was your target market.

I have to admit that we turned around when we saw the lack of rides for younger kids and went to Milton; sorry and understand that was out of your control.
Did watch the fireworks from a neighborhood house party and have to say, not bad.
Folks in Janesville are on a tight budget.

I think Stevenson needs to take into account the number of finacial blows this community has had in the past year. This is probably not the best year to judge how much people are willing to spend on this event. People just don't have the money this year to spend like they have in the past. Has nothing to do with not wanting to celebrate the 4th of July, many people just have to do it differently this year.