Island Lake cancels summertime fireworks show

The economy has claimed another victim in Lake County: Island Lake's fireworks show.

For the first time in years, the village won't have a summertime fireworks presentation for residents. Normally held in mid-July at the lake that shares the village's name, money for the show wasn't included in the budget for the 2009-10 fiscal year, which began May 1.

Revenues were expected to be $80,000 lower this year than last, officials said, and cuts had to be made.

"It will be disappointing," Trustee John Ponio said. "But like everybody in America right now, we have to cut back. Everybody's watching their finances right now."

Last year's fireworks show cost about $10,000, but the event had ancillary costs, such as overtime pay for police officers and firefighters, Finance Director John Little said.

Businesses and residents traditionally donated money to help pay for the show, but in recent years those contributions have dwindled, officials said.

"It's always been trouble trying to raise money for the fireworks," Ponio said. "Things just keep getting tighter and tighter."

Whereas many villages staged fireworks shows on Independence Day, Island Lake always went a week or two after to avoid premium costs, Little said. The show usually was held during a community event, such as last year's street dance.

This summer, however, even the mid-July community event won't be held.

Village coffers throughout the Chicago area have taken a hit during the recession, prompting a variety of cuts.

However, unlike Wauconda, Hawthorn Woods, Mundelein and other area towns, Island Lake hasn't been forced to lay off employees, Little said.