'Horsham Day' Faces Funding Shortfall

Horsham Day organizers are beginning to worry that the $40,000 needed to put on the township's day-long family-friendly activities will not be received in time.

With less than two months to go until the June 1 event, Horsham Parks and Recreation Director Mark Hudson said about $22,000–or just more than half of the funding–has been committed. 

"We're usually feeling a little better about things," Hudson said. "Some of our bigger sponsors have had to back out."

The good news, he said, is that fireworks have been covered. As for other festivities, Hudson said some may have to be scaled back if the township can not obtain enough donations from sponsors. 

There has been talk about eliminating T-shirts, for example, he said.

"It would be subtle things," he said.

To help make up some of the shortfall, 5K participants will pay $5 for the run, which, in previous years had been free. 

"We try not to charge anything," Hudson said. "The township is not out to make money on Horsham Day."

But, expenses for a stage, electric and other costs add up. 

Last year, between 6,000 and 7,000 people attended various activities taking place simultaneously in several Horsham Parks. Approximately 10,000 to 11,000 people watched the annual fireworks display, he said. 

Would Horsham charge an admission fee if $40,000 is not raised for this year's event?

"Hopefully we don't have to figure that one out," Hudson said. 

How you can help

Horsham Day organizers are seeking in-kind donations, as well as sponsors for the June 1 event. Volunteers are also needed to help out the day of the event. For more information, click here.