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Home > Blogs > Things to do in Butler County > Archives > 2010 > June > 08 > Entry
Would you pay for fireworks?
My story about a Hamilton AMVETS chapter contributing towards the city’s Fourth of July fireworks raises some interesting questions.
Chief among these is: Would you contribute money so your community could have fireworks?
And how about this idea: Would you pay admission for fireworks?
A commenter on my story identified as Marvin Berry writes:
“if they do manage to get enough donations, perhaps they should take up a collection at the fireworks to use towards next years. How many people go to the fireworks? if each person put in a buck, maybe we won’t be sweating it out next year?”
I’ve been kicking a similar thought around in my head for awhile now. Does it have to be that hard to raise money, for fireworks? Let’s take, say, Middletown. That city hasn’t had Fourth of July fireworks for years. They’re expensive. They cost about $1,000 a minute. So a half hour’s fireworks show would cost about $30,000.
According to the census, there are about 20,000 households in Middletown. So, theoretically, if every one of these households contributed about $1.50 each - boom - Middletown could have its fireworks.
A Hamilton reader called me and suggested that fireworks could be paid for by adding a surcharge to utility bills - and people told that caller it sounded like a good idea.
Easier said than done? Sure. And there are some people who have the mindset that it’s not their obligation to pay for fireworks.
Perhaps it’s not. But as reaction to my story indicates, some people are thinking differently. Everybody seems to love fireworks. And even in these tough times, $1.50 is pocket change. One of my colleagues even suggested he’d be willing to pay $5 a carload to watch fireworks.
So - bottom line - would you pay for fireworks, either as a community contribution, or as kind of an admission charge?
Permalink | Comments (11) | Post your comment | Categories: Holiday events
Comments
By itisme
June 8, 2010 6:50 PM | Link to this
Why not a levy? They have them for everything else.
By null
June 8, 2010 7:19 PM | Link to this
will first of all don’t put a surcharge on any of my bills i choose we my money goes how about fixing the roads.
By Big Bubba
June 8, 2010 11:42 PM | Link to this
He*l NO!!!!
By WOW
June 9, 2010 12:10 AM | Link to this
We had parks, we had fireworks, we had summer festival’s,we had ice cream socials, how did the city afford those events back in the 50’s, 60’s & 70’s? What is so different about today than back than? Employee’s salaries!!!! Maybe it is time that the salaries be taken back so events can be had by everyone, not just a few city employee’s making big money.
By let's analyze
June 9, 2010 8:49 AM | Link to this
Has anyone looked at the head caount of City employees compared to when the fireworks were affordable? The depts. are all still “fat” and if the budget were in line (like we have to do at home) there would be enough. Pass the hat this year as people watch and see how much you collect. MANY residents don’t even go ~ why place yet another fee on utilities? Many people who attend the fireworks enjoy them and $1.00 each would certainly be a small price for enjoyment! This is a personal decision ~ my children are grown and I no longer attend.
By dawn
June 9, 2010 11:28 AM | Link to this
most people would pay 1 to 2 to have a night of fun with their kids in hamilton,that is not right to put a charge on utilities just so they aint got to cut peoples salaries. stop puttin the ugly sculptures up in hamilton that would save alot of money. people pay for beer and smokes in hamilton was is a buck to them. reduce the christmas lights and the city might have more funds that way too, the public already pays for them also, just charge a couple bucks and be done with it you will be surprised how many people will do it. when i was a kid in the 90’s we couldn’t wait for fort hamilton days to go and have a good time and now all hamilton is a dud on that week.
By Really People???
June 9, 2010 1:27 PM | Link to this
You are talking about $1.50 over a period of 12 months! That is 13 cents extra on each utility bill. If you can’t afford 13 cents, then you are pathetic. What is $1.50 over the period of a year to help pay for a celebration of your country’s independence by the use of fireworks…
By get involved
June 9, 2010 7:21 PM | Link to this
Don’t add anything to utillity bills. Make this a combined community service event for the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Let them go door to door and collect “donations” for the fireworks. Those who can, can donate a larger amount to make up for those who are on an extremely limited income. $5-$10 extra here and there could go a long way to make up for those who just can’t squeeze out another dollar!
By Honest citizen
June 14, 2010 4:58 PM | Link to this
How much would I pay for fireworks? It depends on where they were and whether or not they were all set off at one! LOL!
By Jason
July 4, 2010 2:08 PM | Link to this
For anyone to say “everybody likes fireworks” is rather ignorant. I don’t like fighting crowds and wondering if someone is going to shoot explosives toward me and my son. I don’t like fireworks and would be down right P.O.’d at anyone who forces me to pay for them. If you want someone to pay for them, charge admission or sell them $5 colas like other festivals and attractions else does.
By Nick
July 5, 2010 2:28 PM | Link to this
When I lived in MI we used to go to a park that for the fireworks charged $5 per car to get in, and that money went for the fireworks.