Local

Waxhaw town leaders question price tag of annual 4th of July fireworks

By Liz Foster
By Liz Foster

WAXHAW, N.C. — The 4th of July fireworks are a favorite annual celebration for people living in Waxhaw, but town leaders are starting to question the cost of the event.

During a recent town commissioners work session, officials discussed the celebration’s price tag.

"When I hear $40,000 for one event, in my mind I think, 'Where else can we use that $40,000 in Waxhaw for everybody that lives in Waxhaw?'" a town official can be heard saying in a video recording of the meeting.

Waxhaw’s reputation as a place with family-friendly activities is one characteristic that initially drew Merrill and Kristin Bradshaw to the town 10 years ago. Now, their plans for the 4th of July could change with questions being raised about the fireworks.

“That’s just one of the incentives for people to live here, is to have activities like that,” Merrill Bradshaw said.

Other residents of the town think questioning the event’s cost makes sense.

“I think it’s a good conversation to have,” resident Jenny Gasser said. “It is a lot of money that’s being spent on fireworks.”

Town leaders didn’t decide on any changes to the event during the meeting. In addition to voicing their concerns about the cost of the fireworks, officials also spoke about switching locations for the celebration and charging for admission.

The town's event staff is currently researching options for the event -- including for locations outside of the downtown area -- and will report back to the board.

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:

Cox Media Group

Most Read