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Alpena council approves $25,000 contract for 2026 fireworks display
Summary
The Alpena City Council voted to approve a $25,000 contract with Small Town Saturday Night Fireworks for a community display on July 3, 2026, authorizing the city manager to sign the agreement; the chamber raises the funds and the city provides staff support.
The Alpena City Council on Monday approved a $25,000 contract with Small Town Saturday Night Fireworks for a community fireworks display on July 3, 2026, and authorized City Manager Rachel Smolinski to sign the agreement.
The recommendation to approve the vendor came from a staff member identified at the meeting as the community risk reduction officer and deputy fire chief, who said, "I am recommending as a community risk reduction officer and deputy chief that the city council approve the proposal for Small Town Saturday Night Fireworks to deliver a high quality, safe, and visually spectacular display for the community on 07/03/2026 as outlined in the attached contract." Chief Robert Edmond confirmed staff had observed the previous year's show and noted safety procedures were followed.
The Alpena Chamber of Commerce has raised the $25,000 needed for the display in recent years; the council was told no direct city funds will be used to pay the vendor, but city personnel from police, fire and public works will support the event. The staff member said the vendor's contract includes comprehensive safety measures and contingency plans for inclement weather.
Council discussion addressed scheduling and logistics. Council members and staff said most fireworks vendors are already booked for July 4, which is why the city is pursuing July 3; the vendor listed backup dates of July 5 and July 10. The council discussed firing from barges in the bay versus a land site: barges provide a broad viewing area but are vulnerable to waves, and larger 8‑inch shells cannot be used from barges. Staff said a 450‑foot clearance zone is required around the firing site and that a previously used dry land site (the old DPI property) could serve as a contingency if permission is granted by the landowner.
Mayor Cindy Johnson made the motion to approve the agreement; the motion was seconded by Council member Bridget and carried.
The council authorized the city manager to sign the contract on the condition that the vendor meet the safety and contingency provisions in the contract. Staff were directed to continue coordinating viewing locations and landowner permissions for the backup firing site.
