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More US Towns Saving on Fireworks By Seeking Local Sponsors

Matt Markgraf, WKMS

    

Towns across the nation are expected to end each Fourth of July fireworks show with a bigger bang than last year.

So many small towns are seeking members of the community to fund the show, taking some pressure of the municipal budget.  

Erin Carrico with the Murray Convention and Visitor’s Bureau says the July 4th display over the north side of Murray is the capstone of this year’s Freedom Fest. And there’s a lot of preparation going on behind the scenes.   

“We have to get state approval, we have to get local approval, the fire marshal goes out, there are official papers you have to sign and turn in for insurance," said Carrico. "You just can’t go down to the soccer field and shoot off the fireworks.”

There’s also the cost of closing off streets, security, overtime pay for EMS and police and the actual buying of the colorful explosives while hiring a state-approved professional pyrotechnician, which, to put on a good show, can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

“But actually the city doesn’t pay anything for the fireworks," said Carrico. "The sponsorship comes directly from Briggs & Stratton." 

Murray partnered with small engine manufacturer Briggs and Stratton back in 1989 to ensure that any unforeseen financial restraint never diminishes the show’s payload or performance come July 4th.  

According to the American Pyrotechnic Association, which collects economic studies on fireworks events and consumer sales, corporate partnerships are a growing trend, especially in towns coming back from the recent recession. 

“What we have seen with some towns that have been challenged with whether they can fund a show or not, is a shift from the municipal budget and more of the funding coming from local sponsors," said APA Executive Director Julie Heckman. 

And towns aren't just seeking corporate sponsors, but pooling resources with other communities.

“Retail stores and shops will actually have donation centers to contribute towards the local show," said Heckman. "And it’s not uncommon for a larger community to, instead of having eight different small personal shows, deciding to pull those entities together to provide one community event.”

Heckman says a town of Murray’s size can generate several million dollars in revenue from hotel, restaurant, retail sales and boat rentals.

“Often people will camp out all day trying to save their spot for the best viewing so if there are restaurant and shopping in that general area, people will go spend their money," said Heckman. 

Heckman cites Addison, Texas, a town of roughly 12,000, pooling resources with neighboring communities, and drawing some 500,000 people for their show each year. 

And without having to buy the fireworks themselves, more of that revenue stays in the city well past the night of celebration.

Carrico says Murray doesn’t yet have an economic benefit study on the revenue pulled in over July 4th weekend, but she says there’s a greater benefit.

“It just gives us a sense of community pride that we can have that celebration when many small towns can’t put on this type of fireworks display, because we know that if there’s no fireworks, there’s no Freedom Fest.”

Rob Canning is a native of Murray, KY, a 2015 TV Production grad of Murray State. At MSU, he served as team captain of the Murray State Rowing Club. Rob's goal is to become a screenwriter, film director or producer and looks to the likes of Quentin Tarantino and Guy Ritchie for inspiration. He appreciates good music, mainly favoring British rock n' roll, and approves of anything with Jack White's name on it. When not studying, rowing or writing, Rob enjoys spending his free time with a book or guitar.
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