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Smyth County approves larger fireworks contract for 250th anniversary; county to pay $30,000
Summary
The board authorized a $30,000 county contribution (with a proposed $10,000 from the Town of Marion) to fund a larger fireworks show tied to a Marion Hungry Mothers game for the county's 250th anniversary; staff were asked to seek alternate viewing sites and private sponsorships.
The Smyth County Board of Supervisors approved a 2026 fireworks contract to fund an expanded display tied to a Marion Hungry Mothers baseball game as part of the county’s 250th anniversary plans.
County Administrator Shawn Utt reported the county spent $25,000 on the fireworks display in 2025 while the Town of Marion contributed $5,000. For 2026, Utt proposed increasing county funding to $30,000 and the town’s contribution to $10,000 to support a larger show in recognition of the 250th anniversary and higher fireworks costs attributed to tariffs. Rye Valley District Supervisor Jason Parris asked staff to identify alternative viewing locations and to provide a fuller summary of the show; Chair Charles Atkins encouraged staff to pursue private sponsorships to offset costs.
Royal Oak District Supervisor Courtney Widener moved to approve the 2026 fireworks contract and authorize the County Administrator to execute its contents; Jason Parris seconded the motion and the board voted unanimously to approve it.
The board did not provide a detailed production plan in the public meeting; staff were asked to explore alternate viewing sites and sponsorships and to provide additional event details to the board.
