By Teresa Herriman, The Courier-Herald

The city council voted last week to add $12,000 to the fund for Bonney Lake Days, raising the total amount set aside to finance the 2004 summer celebration to $20,000. Bonney Lake Days, a city-sponsored festival, was resurrected last year after a five-year absence. At a previous meeting, the council selected the third weekend in August as the date for the two-day event.

Mayor Bob Young said the success of last year's event and the number of phone calls of support from local residents encouraged the council to increase the fund. "Community involvement was terrific," Young said.

The city plans to hold the event again at Allen Yorke Memorial Park on Lake Tapps. Last year's Bonney Lake Days featured approximately 100 food booths and arts and crafts stalls, and included live entertainment and a skateboard contest. According to Bonney Lake Days Committee Member Louisa Smith, The Great Pretenders will return to perform for the Saturday night dance.

Young estimates 8,000 to 10,000 people attended the event in 2003.