Rolling Meadows funds 4th of July fireworks
Although Rolling Meadows is scrambling to put together a Fourth of July parade without city funding this year, the annual fireworks will go on as usual.
The Rolling Meadows City Council on Tuesday approved a $16,000 contract with Mad Bomber Fireworks Production of Indiana for the annual fireworks show.
Mad Bomber has done the city’s fireworks show for the past several years and city aldermen said the show has been a success. In case of rain on the Fourth, the fireworks will go on July 5.
Although Alderman Jim Larsen said he had questioned the expense of fireworks and thought it may be a good place to cut costs in the city budget, he talked to city staff members and realized it was too important to the residents to eliminate.
“A lot of people are passionate about fireworks,” Larsen said. “People take pride in having their own fireworks show in Rolling Meadows. It’s part of what makes a community.”
The city cut nearly $17,000 in funding for the annual Fourth of July parade during budget discussions in November, but Mayor Tom Rooney recently announced that he will help organize a smaller, grass-roots parade for any residents who want to join.
“I’m already fielding a lot of inquiries and tons of people wanting to help with the parade,” Rooney said. “I hope we will have something great to show for it.”
The newly formed Rolling Meadows Crime Stoppers organization will be hosting a bike decorating contest for the parade called “Spirit of Rolling Meadows” and will be awarding prizes to at least three winners, said Len Prejna head of the group.
“We want to be involved, just tell us where to show up and what time and we’re there,” Prejna said.
In future years the city will have a separate community events foundation set up to raise money for Memorial Day and the Fourth of July events, which officials said are both important celebrations for the city.
“Fireworks are a classic example of what we call a public good,” said Rooney, who is also a high school economics teacher.