Firework show costs are exploding. Will cities be able to cover July 4 costs?
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Cities face rising Fourth of July costs as fireworks and logistics spike
- Supply chains, shipping, insurance and tariffs push vendor prices higher
- Cities approve larger budgets and seek operational savings
Next summer, the Tri-Cities will join communities across the country to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s independence.
Though the public may expect bigger, better events to mark the special Fourth of July in 2026, cities are seeing higher-than-usual prices for fireworks and other costs.
Less bang for the buck
For Pasco’s fireworks show at Gesa Stadium, the city typically spends $30,000. Fireworks soar and sparkle in the sky for about 20 minutes.
The city will pay $6,000 more for the same show from Western Display Fireworks LTD next summer.
City parks and recreation staff estimates that this year, 3,000 people were inside the stadium and watched the show from soccer and softball fields at the nearby Pasco Sporting Complex.
The city reports increases in the cost of fireworks have already been happening.
Officials say that’s because of a combination of factors — global supply chain dynamics, transportation costs and overall market conditions.
Nearly all fireworks sold in the U.S. are manufactured in China. “Tariffs may have played a role in the overall pricing structure, but it’s hard to say how much of a direct impact they have,” city staff said.
The Pasco City Council approved paying more for the same 20-minute fireworks show and directed city staff to find ways to expand the city’s celebration in 2026. Possible additions include a drone show and more entertainment.
“I’d like it to be spectacular, if at all possible, without breaking the bank,” Mayor David Milne said at a recent meeting.
In Kennewick, the city’s costs for River of Fire include fireworks and a barge where fireworks are set off.
More than 23,000 attended River of Fire at Columbia Park in 2025, with thousands more watching outside the park.
Kennewick city officials say that the largest driver of cost increases is the barge and water operations. The price for that has more than doubled — from $30,000 to $68,000 — in the last two years.
The city’s fireworks display company, Wolverine West LLC, said the industry is volatile right now with unknown insurance costs, potential tariffs to be set Nov. 1 and increased shipping costs.
This story was originally published October 27, 2025 at 11:28 AM.
