The Lubbock County Commissioners Court on April 28 approved a $5,000 contribution from unclaimed funds to the city of Wolfforth to support that city’s Fourth on Fifth celebration.

City presenters told the court the multi‑day celebration has grown rapidly; city staff said attendance was about 6,000 in 2023, roughly 8,000 was planned for 2024 and that last year the event saw about 11,000 people. Wolfforth officials said they plan to move the event this year to the Peoples Bank Stadium parking lot and replace fireworks with a drone show for safety reasons. The event is scheduled for July 5 from 7 p.m. to about 10:30 p.m.

“Because of the safety and circulation concerns, we are moving it to the stadium parking lot and planning a drone show instead of fireworks,” said Tara Tomlinson, identified as director of development services for the city of Wolfforth. Danielle Sweatt, identified as Wolfforth’s economic development director, outlined an event budget the city summarized at about $79,000 and said the requested county contribution would help cover safety and security, the drone show, live music and family activities.

Tomlinson said the city used cell‑phone ZIP‑code data to show where attendees came from and that monthly sales tax receipts for the month containing last year’s event were about 11% higher than the prior year, though she cautioned that month‑to‑month comparisons are affected by other events.

Commissioner Dalby moved to provide $5,000 from the county’s unclaimed funds; Commissioner Rackler seconded. Court staff noted the payment would be processed with regular claims at the next meeting and the check could take about four to six weeks to reach the city. The motion passed by voice vote.

Wolfforth officials said the city increased its porta‑potty budget and sanitation costs substantially for this year’s event to accommodate larger crowds and noted planned staffing from local law enforcement and private parking/safety contractors.

The county’s funding approval covers only the requested $5,000 contribution; Wolfforth city staff will manage contracts and the event’s other revenue and expense items.