AUGUSTA  — Facing a budget gap, Maine’s capital city is pulling its $8,000 funding for the annual Fourth of July parade – but private fundraising efforts have come up with a little over half of that amount so far.

The city of Augusta will continue to pay for fireworks on the Fourth, budgeting about $8,000 for that. But City Manager William Bridgeo tells the Kennebec Journal funding for the parade was cut.

Volunteer Julie O’Brien says $4,500 has been raised to pay for costs. She said a second round of letters has gone out to businesses and residents. She anticipates that will likely bring in another couple thousand dollars.