The Rexburg City Council voted to approve a budget adjustment that lets staff pursue contracts and sponsorships to stage a one‑night, large‑scale July 3, 2026 celebration at the Madison High School stadium, including a headline concert, a drone show and a fireworks display.

Council members and staff framed the proposal around the 250th anniversary of the United States and presented a range of cost and revenue scenarios. Staff said the event could include an “A‑list” musical act (staff estimated artist fees in the low‑to‑mid six‑figure range), a drone program and a fireworks show; Madison County officials have budgeted up to $100,000 in support. City staff told the council the total expense estimate for the largest option was roughly in the mid‑hundred‑thousand‑dollar range and that sponsorships and ticket sales would be used to offset the cost.

Why it matters: The vote lets staff negotiate artist and production contracts and to market an event that, if fully executed with an A‑list act, would rely on ticket revenue and donations to reduce the city’s share. Council members repeatedly raised concerns about the use of public funds, affordability for families and the risk that projected donations or ticket sales may not materialize — questions staff said they would address during contract negotiations and marketing.

Council discussion and concerns
Councilmember Diana Johnson argued against committing tax dollars to hire a headline artist. “I just I wanted to say again. I just I don't feel that the proper role of tax dollars is to hire an artist,” Johnson said during the debate, adding that she preferred keeping multiple free neighborhood fireworks displays rather than a single, paid stadium event.

Other council members urged balancing fiscal caution with the opportunity to mark a rare national milestone. “I really wanna celebrate our year… I’m comfortable with 4,500 or so,” one council member said, urging staff to pursue a middle‑case scenario that would reduce the city’s projected subsidy.

Staff estimates and financing
Staff presented a central scenario that relies on a combination of sponsorships, ticket sales and the county subsidy. Key items presented to the council included: artist fees (staff estimated a headline act could cost in the low‑to‑mid six figures), production and staging costs for an outdoor concert, a drone show estimated by staff at roughly $20,000, and a fireworks package in the low‑to‑mid tens of thousands depending on scale. Staff said the facility could seat roughly 6,500 people and, with standing room on the field, could accommodate up to about 9,500 attendees; staff proposed an average ticket price for modeling near $40–$42, with higher VIP pricing available.

Motion and outcome
After more than an hour of discussion about price points, sponsorship prospects and family access, the council voted to approve the budget adjustment authorizing staff to pursue artist contracts and to seek the county’s matching support. The mayor said staff should prioritize family‑friendly elements and provide viewing areas that are low‑ or no‑cost for families who cannot afford concert tickets.

Next steps and planning
Council members asked staff to continue fundraising and report back with firm contracts and sponsorship commitments. The council also formed a planning committee; Councilmember Johnson volunteered to serve on the group to help shape family‑oriented access and pricing policies. Staff said they will return with proposed contracts, revised budgets and a marketing plan before final, binding artist agreements go into effect.

What the council did not decide
The council’s approval authorized staff to negotiate and seek contracts; it did not finalize any artist contract, set ticket prices or guarantee final vendor selections. Staff emphasized that actual costs and final city exposure will depend on the mix of sponsorships, ticket sales and the final production plan.