Council considers Juneteenth celebration while approving July 3 fireworks vendor

Villa Rica’s parks staff recommended awarding the city’s July 3 fireworks contract to East Coast Pyrotechnics after bidding the event; staff noted the company’s prior performance and a competitive bid. Council approved putting the fireworks item on the consent agenda and discussed a modest additional close‑in special‑effects option for the concert stage area.

Separately, Councilwoman Dominique Conte asked the council to recognize Juneteenth with a city‑sponsored event that would be comparable in stature to Fourth of July celebrations. She said Juneteenth is a federal holiday of particular significance to Villa Rica’s African‑American residents and requested that staff present a budget estimate and plan at Tuesday’s meeting. Staff cautioned that planning would require vendor solicitation, police and public‑works support, and coordination with existing June events, but agreed to return with a short budget and options (including the possibility of aligning with the Thomas Dorsey weekend events).

Council directed staff to provide a cost estimate and a recommended approach by the next meeting so the council could decide whether to use existing July 3 planning templates as a blueprint or create a separate Juneteenth program.

No new budget was adopted at the work session; staff will return with options and estimated costs for council approval.