A cherished Basin tradition is feeling the economic pinch of downturn in the local economy. According to Vernal City Manager Ken Bassett, planning for this year’s Holly Days event is well underway and the committee is working hard to ensure another memorable and successful year. “We have been so fortunate for the past 12 years to have had such great support of businesses in and out of the oil and gas industry,” shares Bassett. “They have largely been responsible for the funding of Holly Days but as we look at the downturn in the economy these donations are understandably more difficult to offer. We know that the community loves Holly Days and this year we are asking the community to please take the opportunity to donate as well.” The cost of Holly Days is around $60,000 with almost all of that being covered by business donations in years past. The City cut the budget by $10,000 last year by eliminating the fireworks but does not want to keep shaving the events down. “So many families come to enjoy Thanksgiving in Vernal because of Holly Days and we really don’t want to take the fun out of it,” says Bassett. Vernal City warmly accepts donations on
www.vernalcity.org
or at the Vernal City Offices.
Image source: Vernal Holly Days Festival Facebook Page
