Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Events topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves LibertyFest fireworks contract; requests more aerial effect and credit for last year's misfires
Summary
Council approved the city's annual LibertyFest fireworks contract and reviewed fundraising (confirmed $50,000; Big West Oil $50,000) and a credit for about 60 aerial shells that failed in last year's show; staff will seek to apply that credit as a cost reduction this year and explore broadcasting music on an FM station.
Ken presented the proposed agreement with the fireworks vendor for the 2026 LibertyFest display and reviewed fundraising efforts that underwrite much of the show. He said the city typically raises $65,000–$75,000 for the event, has a confirmed $50,000 donation and a $50,000 contribution from Big West Oil, and expects total LibertyFest costs to exceed $100,000 when all elements are included.
"The Liberty Fest costs...probably north of $100,000, when it's all said and done," Ken said. He also noted a credit is available this year for roughly 60 aerial shells that did not fire during last year's display, and council direction was to treat that credit as a cost reduction rather than receive additional shells.
Several council members asked that this year's show include more aerial effects (rather than ground effects) so that distant viewers on decks and balconies see more of the display; staff also agreed to investigate options for broadcasting synchronized music on a local radio frequency so viewers away from the venue can hear the soundtrack. The council voted to approve the contract and directed staff to negotiate use of the credit as a cash reduction and to discuss music broadcasting and aerial/ground composition with the vendor.
The vendor contract was approved by motion; staff will finalize details and incorporate the agreed credit handling into the contract.
