BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. – Even holidays are not immune to the impact of a rough economy. Another of the Kansas City-area’s largest fireworks displays is cancelled for this year.
Earlier this year, organizers announced there will be no fireworks display in 2009 at Shawnee Mission Park in Kansas.
On Monday, the City of Blue Springs announced they will also cancel the annual fireworks display for the 2009 Independence Holiday. The city usually hosts the free event for citizens at Peve Football Stadium at Blue Springs High School every July 4.
In addition to budget issues, the usual site for the display will be under construction and inaccessible throughout the summer this year.
Roscoe Righter, Director of Parks and Recreation for Blue Springs, said they could not find a suitable alternative location for the event.
In a press release, city officials cite recent financial trends as part of the City’s decision to cancel the annual fireworks display.
“Cancellation of the 2009 fireworks display also comes at a time when city staff and officials are carefully monitoring budget resources and looking for ways to trim line items in many areas,” City Administrator Eric Johnson said. “Although funds were allocated for this event and were preserved in the annual budget, foregoing the event this year will provide some immediate budget relief.”
Johnson also said, “We are certainly grateful for the relationship we’ve shared with the School District, and look forward to returning to Peve Stadium in 2010.”
Mayor Carson Ross supports the city’s decision to cancel this year’s event.
“As we have done every year, we will continue to promote the City’s annual Be a Good Neighbor Fireworks Education Campaign,” Ross said. “Which encourages citizens to purchase and discharge their own fireworks safely and responsibly within Blue Springs city limits.”
Blue Springs is one of few cities in the area which permits the discharge of fireworks inside their city limits.
