Small Towns Priced Out of the 250th Fireworks Boom

As the U.S. marks its 250th anniversary, larger cities can afford bigger Fourth of July displays while smaller towns face rising costs, with some canceling or delaying shows. Vendors report higher minimum budgets and a surge in demand, but limited licensed pyrotechnicians and equipment shortages make scheduling difficult. Some communities consider drones or forgo the boom altogether, leaving the holiday spectacle out of reach for many small towns.