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Park board recommends J and M Displays for Spirit of America fireworks; larger 2026 finale funded by council
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Summary
The Park Board voted to recommend a one-year contract with J and M Displays for the Spirit of America fireworks and approved a larger, council-funded $45,000 finale for 2026.
The Raymore Park Board on Oct. 28 recommended awarding the Spirit of America fireworks contract to J and M Displays and approved a schedule and budget adjustment for the 2026 show.
Staff said the city solicited bids and received one fully responsive proposal from the company it has used for several prior years. The recommended contract is for one year with two optional one-year renewals. For 2026 only, City Council provided additional funding to move and enlarge the display to coincide with the World Cup events and the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations; staff said that one-time 2026 display will be budgeted at $45,000. In subsequent years the department intends to return to the typical show and budget level ($25,000) and the usual festival timing.
Staff said the supplier will design the show to fit the stated budget; the 2026 budget is intended to lengthen and intensify the finale portion of the display. The director clarified that staff recommended the schedule and budget after consulting with J and M Displays about availability during the busy event window. The contract language presented gives the city a choice to renew for up to two additional years without rebidding if both parties agree.
A motion to award the contract to J and M Displays was made, seconded and passed 8–0 with one member absent. Board members asked about examples of prior finales and were told staff has recordings and that vendors typically supply a show within the provided budget. Staff emphasized that council-provided additional funds cover the larger 2026 show.
