Katy’s 30th annual Rice Harvest Festival was back on track Monday, after its sponsors agreed to increase the gate price $1 to help the city put on its annual Fourth of July fireworks show.

Katy Area Chamber of Commerce board chairman Troy Maxwell said the chamber will increase the entrance ticket from the current $6 to $7 for the festival this October 9 and 10.

Council members praised the move although they acknowledged it will not help this summer’s show, which still is in need of public support.

“The truth is, we will have a fireworks display. How much of a display depends on how much other public support we can get,” said Council member Carol Adams. “We’ll do the best we can this year.”
While Maxwell said the additional $1 was intended to help the city pay for the fireworks show at Katy Mills Mall, council members said they aren’t expecting to receive $1 from each ticket.

“It’s not like we’re going to get $40,000 for fireworks,” said Adams. “My understanding is that we will get a percentage off the net after they pay for their expenses. I don’t think that percentage has been specified.”

Katy City Council members tabled their usual routine approval of plans for this year’s Rice Fest last month, saying they wanted to talk to the chamber about supporting the fireworks show. The popular show is in jeopardy for want of a sponsor, Mayor Don Elder said.

Members of the public who want to help can send checks to City Hall earmarked for the Fireworks Fund, Adams said.

Council members heaped praise on the chamber for its help. “Right now, it’s a tough thing to raise the price on anything,” Adams said. “This was an extremely generous thing for the chamber to raise their gate to help us with the fireworks show in the future.”

Maxwell said the city and chamber are partners in promoting Katy. “Anytime we have an opportunity to attract people to the city and area, we want to do that.”