Empty Sky on July 4? Blame the Economy

July 3, 2008 — -- John Gross says he doesn't know anyone who doesn't like seeing a hometown fireworks show. But in South Orange, N.J., where Gross is the village manager, fireworks aren't on the schedule this week.

"The economics of the 2008 budget require difficult decisions to be made," Gross said. For South Orange, he said, that meant cancelling the town's Independence Day fireworks display.

South Orange isn't alone. Skies across the United States will be a little quieter this Independence Day, as the ailing economy and tight budgets force some communities to cancel their fireworks shows.

Gross explained that South Orange will save $30,000 by not having its show, which, in the past, has drawn as many as 5,000 people.

"That $30,000 will be $30,000 we don't raise in taxes, and that'll be a direct savings to the taxpayer," he said.

Jeff Skidmore, the assistant city manager of Weston, Fla., said his city will save $85,000 by axing its show. Skidmore said that city had to look for ways to cut spending after Florida property tax reforms reduced the amount of revenue filling city coffers.

"We looked to make some cuts to wherever it wouldn't hurt the services we provide," Skidmore said.

It's not just municipal belt-tightening that's keeping the lights out.

In Randolph, Mass., usually generous local residents are the ones who pick up the tab for the town's fireworks show through an annual fundraiser organized by the town's local firefighters union.

But the union head told ABC News that this year, he didn't want to ask local residents to contribute.

The townspeople, said Robert Cassford, president of Randolph Firefighters Local 1268, are already grappling with a tax increase and have been asked to contribute to another union fundraiser for scholarships and youth groups.

"You can only go to the well so many times," he said.

A happy ending may yet be in the works for Randolph, where local politicians have pledged to raise funds for a show.