People attending the city-sponsored Independence Day festivities aren’t required to pay a $10 parking fee to park at Sleepy Hole Park.

Advertisements for the Stars & Stripes Spectacular indicated that on-site parking will cost $10 per car, with handicapped spaces available at $5 per car, and that parking at one of two satellite sites – John Yeates Middle School or Nansemond River High School – will be $3.

Residents who attend the event should know that 100 percent of the proceeds from parking – as well as money the city makes off concession and vendor sales – is earmarked for United Way, said Lakita Frazier, recreation superintendent of the Suffolk Department of Recreation and Parks, organizers of the event.

Knowing the money raised is going to a good cause, Frazier is hopeful most people still make that contribution.

&uot;But it is a donation,&uot; she said. &uot;We are not going to turn anyone away who wants to participate in the event but does not want to pay.&uot;

The department is hoping to raise at least $7,500 for United Way during the event, Frazier said. Last year, contributions during the July 4th activities generated $6,800 for the organization.

All donations are tax deductible.