Budget Problems End Fireworks Tradition

ABC News On Campus reporter Ju'lia Samuels blogs:

    The Fourth of July is very different at the University of Florida this year because the annual Fanfares and Fireworks display, which has been held since 1990, has been canceled because of budget constraints.

   “We weren’t able to raise the money this year,” said Sue Wagner, director of communications for radio station WUFT.

   The show normally brings families out and brings college students together while celebrating the history of the country.  A variety of musical groups and  a family picnic preceded fireworks shows in past years.

It is a staple within the University of Florida culture that is being missed by students. “I thought it was quite disappointing that it was canceled because the event is a UF tradition that I look forward to each year,” health education and behavior major Monica Solomon said.

  The event usually costs about $40,000 to put on.

   While there will not be anything offered on campus there will be other holiday activities. “There are a lot of other events in Alachua County that students can attend like All American Song Fest,” Wagner said.