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Yucaipa council backs a scaled Fourth of July show for 2026, asks staff to pursue sponsorships
Summary
The council directed staff to plan a Fourth of July celebration similar to 2025 (Option 2), including fireworks and a budget request of roughly $60,000, and encouraged staff to pursue sponsorships and volunteer partnerships to increase cost recovery.
The Yucaipa City Council voted on Sept. 8 to direct staff to plan a Fourth of July event for 2026 similar to the format used in 2025, including a fireworks display, and to pursue greater cost recovery through sponsorships and vendor revenue.
Megan (staff) presented a wrap-up report for the 2025 event and four options for 2026. Staff reported the 2025 net cost to the city was $20,259 and said replicating the scaled format for 2026 (Option 2) would require council to approve expenditures of about $60,000. Option 3 would expand production at an estimated $150,000; Option 4, which included a county partnership and a drone show instead of fireworks, carried an estimated range of $100,000–$200,000 and would require county participation.
Public comment favored keeping fireworks. Benjamin Vale of Glacier Court urged the council to retain a centralized fireworks show as a safety and enforcement tool: "Maintaining a centralized show is 1 of the best tools we have to reduce neighborhood fireworks, protect our community from fires and ensure safety," he said. Robert Coleman, who helped organize fireworks in past years, also urged the council to continue the tradition rather than switch to a drone show.
Councilmembers debated budget pressure and community value. Several members said they supported Option 2, provided staff aggressively pursues sponsorships, vendor fees and volunteer partnerships. Council Member Beevor moved for Option 2; the motion was seconded and adopted by voice vote.
Staff said parking revenue and sponsorships have historically offset a portion of the event cost; the 2025 event achieved roughly 60% cost recovery according to staff. Councilmembers suggested partnering more closely with local service groups, faith organizations, high school clubs and local vendors to reduce city outlay. Councilmembers also discussed display elements such as a large American flag and volunteer-run entertainment to increase community involvement without large city expenditures.
The council adopted Option 2 and directed staff to return with more detailed sponsorship and cost-recovery plans for the event.
Votes at a glance: Council directed staff to plan a 2026 Fourth of July event similar to 2025 (Option 2) including fireworks; staff estimated required expenditures of approximately $60,000 and was directed to pursue sponsorships and volunteer partnerships to increase cost recovery.
