Clarification: The second annual free Fourth of July Holiday Concert on Saturday, July 2, featuring the Lima Symphony Orchestra, will be held outdoors on the mall of Ohio Northern University as it was last year. It will be held inside the Field House at ONU only in the event of inclement weather. The article about the event incorrectly stated that the concert would be held in the Field House and not outdoors. The article also incorrectly listed the date of the next Ada Village Council meeting as Tuesday, June 7. It is Tuesday, May 17.
By Amy Eddings
Village councilors postponed making a decision on Tuesday on whether to contribute money toward a Fourth of July celebration featuring the Lima Symphony Orchestra, saying they first wanted to hear from the event’s organizer, Ohio Northern University First Lady Chris DiBiasio.
The village contributed $1,000 toward the event last summer, the first year in which it was held. It cost about $17,000 and was paid for through private donations, according to First Lady DiBiasio. Her request this year is for $2,000, she told the Ada Icon.
Councilors did not recall paying $1,000 in 2015, even though village fiscal officer Crystal Huffer told them that they did.
"I thought we had only given $500,” said councilor Cathy Cole.
“I recall it being all over the place, as high as $5,000 and coming down to $500,” said councilor Beth Fenton, remembering last year’s discussion of a contribution. “I think $1,000 is too much money and that’s the position I had last year."
Councilor Jeff Oestreich noted that the village also supports the event by providing extra police coverage at no additional charge to the college.
Unable to reach a consensus, councilors voted to postpone their decision until First Lady DiBiasio could meet with them and tell them whether her costs have increased.
Tuesday’s meeting was held in the Depot, to accommodate a wheelchair-bound resident who wished to attend.
DiBiasio, in a telephone conversation, told the Ada Icon that, indeed, costs had gone up by approximately $2,000.
“The purpose of this is to raise money so people can enjoy a wonderful evening of patriotic music,” said DiBiasio, who also serves on the symphony’s board. “This is not really an ONU project, but we feel strongly about this. We’re really giving people an incredible experience. I really feel the village should support this."
She expressed some concern about scheduling a time to meet with the council in the next month, saying she has travel plans.
"I need a commitment from them pretty quickly,” she said. "I put my request in last October."
Last year’s free Lima Symphony Orchestra concert took place outdoors on ONU’s campus. Just days before, the city of Lima had to postpone its annual fireworks display because of torrential rain.
The free Fourth of July concert by the Lima Symphony Orchestra will be held at 7 p.m.on Saturday, July 2.
