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Cheektowaga board weighs fireworks, parade timing and costs for America 250 celebrations
Summary
Council members debated scheduling and funding for America 250/July Fourth festivities, including whether to hold fireworks on July 3 or July 4, vendor availability and overtime costs; board asked staff to price options and report back quickly.
Members of the Cheektowaga Town Board discussed planning for the town’s America 250/July Fourth events at the March 24 meeting, focusing on parade timing, fireworks and budget implications.
Council member Noiki said the supervisor’s office has food trucks and a fireworks vendor engaged for a July 3 'Freedom Fest' but asked the board whether the larger July 4 holiday might be a better single‑day option. Council members and staff raised logistical questions about parade timing (heat on parade route if held midday), vendor and vendor‑scheduling conflicts with neighboring towns, police overtime and other support staffing costs.
One board member offered a planning example: a fireworks show for Town Park might cost in the ballpark of $15,000 plus overtime and support costs. Members discussed choosing either a single large event or two smaller events and whether to pivot the parade timing (earlier start) to accommodate an evening fireworks display.
Board members agreed to compare cost estimates and vendor availability for July 3 versus July 4 and to make a decision promptly to secure vendors and plan staffing. Several members suggested seeking outside community groups to help run events and recommended forming or reviving a patriotic committee to coordinate volunteers and sponsorships.
No final vote on moving the parade or changing the date was taken; the board directed staff to collect cost estimates and vendor availability and to report back to the board for a timely decision.
