American Canyon’s Fourth of July celebration could become a two-day affair, despite the concerns of some elected officials.

The city’s Fourth of July Committee wants to schedule Independence Day events on July 3 and 4, in part to draw more people to the city and attract vendors. The national holiday this year falls on a Wednesday.

Traditionally, the city’s Fourth of July events have included children’s games, food and local music and dance groups. Charities and vendors staff as many as 60 booths at Community Park 1.

City Councilwoman Cindy Coffey, who chairs this year’s Fourth of July Committee, said the committee wanted to try “something new” this year. Having a two-day event will attract “quality vendors,” she told the City Council.

“It’s a huge opportunity,” Coffey said.

The idea, however, has raised concerns from other city council members who wonder who will pay for the cost of having public works, police and fire staff to work a second day.

“The city is going to be on the hook,” City Councilman Ed West warned.

West, who said he’s always enjoyed the city’s Fourth of July celebrations as they are, also said he does not want turn the event into a “retail operation” for out-of-town visitors.

“I don’t want those crowds,” West said. The city has had “quality events” for 10 years, he said.

Vice Mayor Joan Bennett cautioned that parents may not be present on July 3, a Tuesday, to supervise their children.

The City Council later directed Randy Davis, the city’s Community Services director, to prepare a breakdown of the costs of past years’ events. That report may be presented at the council’s April 5 meeting, Davis said.

Over the past couple of years, the city’s Fourth of July Committee has raised money to rent stages and portable toilets, hire security guards and cover the costs of other Independence Day-related activities.

The city’s Fourth of July Committee spent about $11,000 in 2006, Davis said.

The city sponsors the morning parade through town and the evening’s fireworks. The fireworks display and the extra insurance required add up to $15,000, Davis explained.

Davis said the city accounts for “every nickel” the committee members raise.

“As of right now, I don’t believe any money has been raised,” Davis said.

Cori Badertscher, chairwoman of the city’s Fourth of July Committee for the past three years, said she has reservations about having a two-day event.

She is concerned that parents will not come out on July 3. “It would work on the weekend,” said Badertscher.

She is also not certain that charities have enough volunteers to staff booths on both days.

“I think it’s a valiant effort but I’m not convinced it’s going to work,” she said.