Santa Maria cancels July 4 fireworks show
SANTA MARIA, Calif. - The City of Santa Maria has canceled its July 4 fireworks show.
City spokesman Mark van de Kamp said the fireworks show is normally paid for by donations from local businesses. The cost to put on the show is about $35,000
Due to the fact that many businesses are closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the city says they cannot rely on local businesses that are already struggling to pay their employees and keep their doors open.
"During this extraordinary time, funds are better directed to aiding the community," van de Kamp said in a news release.
City officials said they are exploring other alternatives that do not involve pyrotechnics.
A Fourth of July firework show in Pismo Beach has also been canceled. High profile events like the Santa Maria Elks Rodeo and the Strawberry Festival have also been canceled or postponed.
Santa Maria residents will be allowed to purchase their own fireworks from "Safe and Sane" city-approved vendors. Sales for these booths begin at noon on Sunday, June 28. Groups looking to apply for a permit to sell fireworks must submit completed paperwork to the Santa Maria City Fire Department by June 4.
