Easton City Council Funds Special Events

Easton City Council has agreed to spend $10,000 on  in the city.

Council voted unanimously Wednesday to give the money to the following organizations:

• The Arts Community of Easton, $1,500, to support the
• , $1,500, to support their annual shad fishing tournament held in late April
• The Lehigh Valley Soap Box Derby Association, $1,350, for the
• Easton Heritage Day, $2,500, to support
• The Veterans Memorial Council, $2,250, to support the
• Easton Main Street Initiative, $900, for Tunes at Noon

Last year, the city had $30,000 in requests for event organizers, but could only accomodate a third of that amount. At one time, the city's grants totaled $20,000, Mayor Sal Panto said.

However, the city has taken over the costs associated with the , . The city has allocated the other $10,000 towards the iconic Centre Square holiday monument's annual erection and upkeep, Panto said, adding that fund raising towards the new candle, a $30,000 undertaking, will likely begin in June.

Also Wednesday, council approved changes to Easton's street sweeping schedule, just days before enforcement of parking regulations designed to allow the sweeper curb access .

Residents that live or park on Ferry or Washington streets in the West Ward will want to be especially careful to check the new schedule and signs on their blocks.

Notable changes include:

• On the north side of Ferry Street, between Fifth and Seventh streets, parking will be prohibited from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. on Wednesdays
• On the north side of Washington Street, between Seventh and Ninth streets, parking will be prohibited from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. on Wednesdays
• On the south side of Ferry Street, between Fifth and Seventh streets, parking will be prohibited from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. on Fridays
• On the south side of Washington Street, between Seventh and Ninth streets, parking will be prohibited from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. on Fridays