July Fourth fireworks fizzling out in tough economy
By MICHAEL FELBERBAUM
Associated Press
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Lack of bucks means less bang this July Fourth for many cash-strapped cities.
Fireworks shows are being canceled or scaled back, mostly in small and midsize cities, as municipalities' tax revenue dries up with the slowing economy and falling home prices. Funding from corporate sponsorships also has fizzled as businesses deal with economic problems of their own.
The budget realities are forcing communities to decide, for example, whether they can pay for extra police and fire protection for a fireworks show — or perhaps pay an officer's salary for the rest of the year. And some organizers have concerns about seeking money for a celebration as communities struggle to take care of life-or-death needs worsened by the recession.
In some cases, it's not just the fireworks shows getting the ax. Municipal and corporate sponsors, forced into frugality by the tough economy, have reduced or pulled funding for whole festivals encompassing music, food and other staples of summer.
Some fireworks companies have reported that business is off about 10 percent from last year, said Julie L. Heckman, executive director of the American Pyrotechnics Association.
Shows are being canceled from sea to shining sea:
"We thought it was just not the right year to be raising money for the fireworks when the food banks were suffering and more primary human services were at stake," said Dave Phillips, chairman of the organizing committee.
Other cities canceling shows include Mesa, Ariz.; Colorado Springs, Colo.; Niceville, Fla.; and Garland, Texas.
When budget woes hit cities, holiday festivals and parades are usually the first to go, said Christiana McFarland, a National League of Cities researcher.
Stephen Vitale, president of Pennsylvania-based Pyrotecnico, said while his company is doing more shows this year because the holiday falls on a weekend, it's clear that communities are struggling to pay for displays.
"They fight real hard to keep it when they can," Vitale said.
