During Monday’s city commission meeting, a proposal for the City of Big Rapids funding this year’s Jul. 3 fireworks celebration did not pass.

“I guess no fireworks this year,” Mayor Fred Guenther said following the vote. 

Last year, the Mecosta County Visitors Bureau organized the fireworks as a service project. On Monday, City Manager Mark Gifford approached the “MCVB” Board President was told they didn’t have the same interest this year.

“They are not interested in funding a traditional firework show,” Gifford said. “They were more interested in looking into a drone show.”

According to Gifford, pricing roams around a $1,000 per minute for a complete fireworks show. The City has donated $5,000 each year towards the show, but fully funding the event would cost an estimated $23,000.

“Last year, all these organizations and the 'Convention Bureau' stepped up,” Guenther said. “This year, no one is interested and stepping up.”

Jaycees hosted the fireworks event for many years until 2020, with other organizations like the Lions Club and Visitor’s Bureau stepping in over the past few years.

“Is it the purview of the City to fund the fireworks display for a community, that's not willing to come out and financially support it with its service organizations. That’s the question I am considering.” Commissioner Amanda Johnson said. 

Johnson, who stated she takes her kids to the show every year, voted no to proposal. Guenther, along with Commissioners David Rhodes and Lorraine James, voted yes. Commissioner Karen Simmon was absent from the meeting due to personal reasons. The proposal needed four yes votes to pass.

The Mecosta County Fair Board have agreed to host the fireworks at the fairgrounds but have stated there cannot have alcohol or bands within the show. 

Result of the voting does not immediately cancel the event, but funding will now have to be reached by an outside organization.