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County approves larger fireworks contract for 250th anniversary event; asks staff to pursue alternatives and sponsorships
Summary
Smyth County approved a 2026 fireworks contract to tie a display to a Marion Hungry Mothers baseball game, increasing county funding to $30,000 and Town of Marion contribution to $10,000 for the 250th anniversary; supervisors asked staff to find alternative viewing sites and seek private sponsorships.
Smyth County's Board of Supervisors on Feb. 12 approved a 2026 fireworks contract that will expand the county's contribution for a display tied to a Marion Hungry Mothers baseball game, increasing the county's payment to $30,000 and the Town of Marion's contribution to $10,000 to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
County Administrator Shawn Utt said the county spent $25,000 on the fireworks display in 2025 and the Town of Marion contributed $5,000. Rye Valley District Supervisor Jason Parris asked staff to identify alternative viewing locations and prepare a more comprehensive summary of the event plan; Chair Charlie Atkins encouraged staff to pursue private sponsorships to offset cost.
Royal Oak District Supervisor Courtney Widener moved to approve the contract and authorize the county administrator to execute its contents; Jason Parris seconded the motion and the board voted unanimously to approve.
The board did not provide a contracted vendor name or a detailed budget breakdown at the public meeting; supervisors asked staff to report back with additional details and alternative logistics for viewing areas.
