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Beaumont to restore fireworks for 2026 Freedom Festival, cancels drone show
Summary
After public feedback and budget questions, the council voted to cancel the drone show and authorize a $100,000 fireworks display for July 4, 2026; staff will reallocate drone‑show funds and propose concert/talent funding during next year’s budget process.
The Beaumont City Council on Nov. 18 moved to restore a traditional fireworks display for its 2026 Freedom Festival, authorize a $100,000 fireworks contract and eliminate the drone show used at recent events.
Staff said the city’s RFP process attracted few pyrotechnic bids because of high nationwide demand tied to the U.S. 250th anniversary. Garden State Fireworks offered a minimum $100,000 show with a significantly larger display than 2024 (staff cited a 33% increase in shots, 47% longer duration, 20% larger shells and four times the number of display shells). Staff explained the fireworks invoice would fall in the FY2026–27 budget year (the July 4 event occurs days into the new fiscal year) and asked direction on whether to include the increase in next year’s budget; staff also said current fiscal‑year funds could cover deposits to secure a vendor.
Council deliberations focused on public preference, fiscal timing and venue options. Several councilmembers urged cancelling the drone show and reallocating those funds (staff cited roughly $56,500 budgeted for the drones) toward the fireworks; others asked that staff return with specific concert/talent cost options to expand daytime entertainment at the sports park viewing area.
Outcome and next steps
- Council voted to eliminate the drone show, authorize a $100,000 fireworks show for 2026, and direct staff to execute a general services contract to secure the pyrotechnic vendor. - Staff will include a $65,000 increase in the FY26–27 budget build to reach the $100,000 fireworks target and return with proposals on concerts and talent costs.
Context
The city previously ran a drone-only aerial show in 2025. Council members and public commenters said many residents preferred fireworks; staff and council weighed the higher vendor minimums and the timing of invoices against the desire for a larger celebratory display during the national 250th anniversary.
Attribution
Staff presenter: Doug Story. Vendor quoted: Garden State Fireworks. Council direction captured in roll call at the Nov. 18 meeting.
