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Beaumont approves $100,000 fireworks show for 2026, drops drone program
Summary
Council directed staff to contract Garden State Fireworks for a $100,000 show for the 2026 Freedom Festival, remove the drone component, and include the increase in the FY26–27 budget planning; council asked staff to return with concert funding options.
The Beaumont City Council directed staff to pursue a $100,000 professional fireworks show for the 2026 Freedom Festival and to eliminate the drone show that had accompanied recent events.
Doug Story (staff) told the council the city’s RFP efforts produced a vendor, Garden State Fireworks, whose minimum show price is $100,000. "Their minimum show is a $100,000," he said. Staff reported the larger show would increase the number of shots, duration, and shell sizes relative to the 2024 display.
Because July 4 falls within the next fiscal year, Story explained the fireworks invoice would be paid from the FY26–27 budget; staff asked council to authorize staff to include the $65,000 increase in the next budget and to permit contract execution under the city manager's signing authority. Councilmembers discussed reallocating $56,500 previously programmed for a drone show to reduce the shortfall and suggested increasing concert funding for an all-day program at the Sports Park and improved entertainment options.
After debate about budget timing and event format, a motion passed directing staff to remove the drone show, authorize a $100,000 fireworks contract for next fiscal-year budgeting, and return with concert proposals and precise budget adjustments.
