Carnation Festival says fireworks canceled, asks Wheat Ridge for $125,000 in 2027 funding

The Carnation Festival committee told the City Council on Aug. 3 that it is seeking $125,000 in city funding for 2027 and that it has canceled planned fireworks for this year because of safety concerns.

"We are gonna cancel our fireworks this year," the festival representative said, noting the committee had a $25,000 allocation for fireworks that will either be refunded or held for next year. He said the committee remains confident the event will draw visitors and non‑fireworks programming will be extended.

Organizers said the festival draws large crowds (the committee estimated roughly 35,000 guests through the week in prior years and uses software to estimate attendance and movement) and benefits about 18 local nonprofits that participate each year. Councilors expressed concerns about drought, fire safety and noise for neighbors and asked whether alternatives such as drone shows had been considered. The committee said drone shows on the market were substantially more expensive — roughly three to five times the cost — and that, for now, fireworks remain the most cost‑effective main attraction.

Council members asked a series of budget questions about reserves and carnival revenue. Festival organizers said carnival and food operations create some revenue but are subject to year‑to‑year variation, and they described an informal approach to reserves rather than a formal policy. Staff and council agreed not to decide funding amounts tonight and to return to the full package at a future study session.

The committee said it will work with staff and revisit budget details as the council considers next year’s outside‑agency allocations.