Brian Ehrlich, a fireworks contractor who said he handles Wellington's annual display, told the Board of Trustees on Aug. 12 that this year's show was successful but vulnerable to rising import tariffs. Ehrlich reported a very low equipment failure rate and said he and his wife will stop hosting a private demonstration that previously served as a test site, forcing the town's show to absorb more testing of new effects.

Why it matters: The contractor's warning about potential tariff-driven price increases could affect the town's budget and the scale of future celebrations, including Wellington's 250th anniversary in 2026.

Ehrlich said his company loaded 584 display shells and 116 cake and multi-shot devices. He reported four misfires total: three display shells (one 6-inch, two 3-inch) and one 90-shot cake, which he attributed to weather and wet fuses. He said the team executed just over 3,000 total event breaks, compared with an expected ~2,600, because the vendor no longer holds a private test show for new products and now uses the town event to try new effects.

Ehrlich described new techniques used at the show, including sequencing that produced bell-curve and fountain effects and rapid salute sequences timed to the national anthem. He said he will meet with town staff (Kelly) about contract details and noted the current contract was a one-year agreement. Ehrlich asked the town to consider special elements for Wellington's 250th anniversary and said product availability is constrained: vendors have paused new container shipments and he estimated suppliers would apply up to a roughly 20% tariff increase; if tariffs exceed that, he said reductions in show size or additional budget would be required.

The presentation was made during public comment; no formal action or motion followed.

Trustees asked clarifying questions about contracting, whether the vendor would continue to work with the town, and the vendor confirmed he will meet with staff to discuss next year's contract. The town clerk noted the vendor will appear on the Aug. 26 agenda for contract discussion.

The board received the report; no vote was taken.