Sammamish approves $80,000 fireworks contract for July 4 as council debates costs and alternatives

Sammamish City Council approved a contract with Freedom Entertainment to produce the citys July Fourth fireworks display after a lengthy discussion about rising costs and community impacts.

Deputy Mayor Amy Lam opened the discussion by noting a sharp increase in vendor costs: she said the fireworks contract cost rose from about $40,000 in 2024 to $60,000 in 2025 and was estimated at $80,000 for the coming year, and that when police overtime, fire staffing, the band and other event costs are added the total approaches six figures. Staff told the council that 2025 event costs were about $156,000 (in one exchange staff later referenced a $170,000 total) and that vendor availability is constrained because many municipalities hold celebrations on the same weekend; staff warned that delaying the decision risks losing a vendor under competitive scheduling and supply constraints including tariffs on imported materials.

Council members expressed mixed views. Council member O'Farrell and Mayor Karen Howe emphasized the events civic value and broad community appeal. Council member Pamela Stewart raised environmental and animal welfare concerns and asked that the city explore alternatives; Council member Sid Gupta suggested assessing drone shows as a possible future substitute. Staff said moving the event off July 4 or to a non-holiday date could reduce some costs but would change the events appeal and still may not produce large savings because of market pressures.

After discussion, the mayor moved to approve the fireworks display contract and the motion was seconded; the council approved the contract by voice vote.

Next steps: staff said they will proceed to finalize the vendor agreement and continue outreach on event planning. Council members asked staff to return next year with options for lowering costs and alternatives to traditional fireworks, including potential sponsorships and non-pyrotechnic displays.