BLAINE – Blaine has cancelled the annual Fourth of July fireworks. The fireworks cost about $35,000 and are normally paid for through charitable gambling profits. With bars and restaurants closed, there is no charitable gambling. The city decided to use the existing money in the charitable gambling fund to support more immediate community needs, such as food shelves, homelessness initiatives and a domestic violence shelter.
City staff and council also aren’t sure what rules for large gatherings will be in place in July.
During their work session they discussed possibilities for holding the event later this year if money and state rules allow for it.
The fireworks is the largest event put on by the parks department each year, with an estimated 30,000 people watching the show.
