City Council awards grant to support festival

At the City Council meeting on Tuesday, a grant application submitted by the Orange Heart Foundation requesting $2,000 in funds for the Wasco Rose Festival event was approved.

On May 7, 2019, the City Council adopted a resolution approving a $10,000 Community Grant Program to be given by the City Council to qualifying non-profit organizations within city limits. There is a $2,000 limit that a non-profit group may receive.

Mayor Gilberto Reyna said that the Council recognizes that citizens have the right to expect public funds and public resources to be used in a justifiable and fair manner and that the groups requesting public funds are financially responsible and accountable.

Further, the Council and staff put in place many checks and balances to ensure the groups use the money awarded by the Council to benefit the community.

According to a staff report, the City Council recognizes the many benefits that various groups, organizations, volunteers and events within the City of Wasco provide by promoting and improving the City's cultural, social and economic well-being.

The community grant policy states that it is for this reason that the City Council is committed to treating all requests for contributions in a consistent, fair and equitable manner subject to the community's needs, priorities and Council's approved budget.

"I believe this grant award will help the Orange Heart Foundation reestablish the traditional Wasco Rose Festival to its former glory so that the young and old in our community can enjoy it. I'm looking forward to it," said Mayor Reyna.

Orange Heart Foundation President Traci Mills-Clendenen said, "We are very appreciative for the partnership the City of Wasco has shown to the Wasco Rose Festival through their staff participation, vocal support and now the $2000 community grant."

"This is Wasco's biggest event, and we could not do it without amazing sponsors like the City and our dedicated volunteers," said Mills-Clendenen.

Also, at the Council meeting, a certificate of recognition was presented to the 2022 Miss Wasco Rose Queen community organization. The candidates, including Nevaeh Snow, Makenna Gebhardt, Sabrina Miramontes, Daniela Ruiz, Ensley Mehlberg, Grace Derington and Noelia Valera, attended.

Miss Wasco Rose Queen Pageant Director Nicole Sanchez said, "It is an honor to be recognized. Myself, Samantha Wymer and other ladies have put in many years over the years to make the pageant what it is today."

"Today is special because the girls have worked so hard to honor this town and take pride in the city of Wasco," said Pageant Director Samantha Wymer. "On or off the stage, they represent not only the city but all of the young girls in it."

The pageant is a 54-year-old tradition.

"I think it is a wonderful thing you do for the community in that you make little girls that turn into young women dream's come true," said Mayor Reyna.