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Council authorizes contracts for 250th-anniversary fireworks; costs rise amid tight vendor market
Summary
City and Love Catalina will proceed with a fireworks show for the 250th celebration despite increased vendor costs; staff said fireworks and barge prices rose substantially and council authorized contracts with Garden State Fireworks and Curtin Maritime, while Love Catalina and partner solicit donations to cover expenses.
The council considered costs for the July 4 fireworks show tied to the city's 250th-anniversary celebration and authorized the city manager to execute agreements with Garden State Fireworks Inc. for the pyrotechnics and Curtin Maritime for barge services.
Community-services staff said suppliers have raised prices and that only two vendors remain available for coastal shows. "Garden State last year, we were at about, I think, 45,000, and this year, it's going up to 60," the staff member said, and added that barges costs have increased from about $35,000 to $60,000 in some cases. The overall show will remain feasible, staff said, and Love Catalina helps raise donations and covers the fireworks while the city covers barge services.
Council approved the agreements after discussion of costs, show scale and solicitation approaches. Staff noted that increased upfront costs could mean larger reimbursements to nonprofits and local programs that benefit from solicitation proceeds.
