Community Arts Festival

I am part of a cummity that is orginizing an arts festival in Salinas. It will feature local artisist, and musicians. The only thing is that we do not want to get the city or any politics involoved, reason being is that the city fails to provide the minority community with such events and we do not want any politrics involved for thier political agenda. This is for the people by the people. although there could be many advantages collaberating with the city but we just feel a sort of recentment, because of the fact that the city has failed in developing such an event for minorities. They do have El Grito, for the mexicans "which they are capitalizing on" but this is more for the Mexicans, thier are many indiginous poeples, black, philipino, chicano etc.. This is for local atists to expresss themselves. The musicians are artist are donating thier time so it will be a free event. As of now I have been advised that I will need an ampliphide outdoor music day permit. we will see how that goes. any suggestions?