(Story by Rod Zook)
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson City Council gave their approval to provide a limited amount of support for the fireworks display on the fourth of July.
For several years, the city would use revenue generated from permits sold to fireworks dealers for stands within the city during the Independence Holiday to help fund Hutchfest. But, when the city curtailed the selling of certain types of fireworks that could be discharged within the city, the number of permits fell sharply, from nine in 2012 to just two last year. Those with stands would pay $2,500. That meant with just two stands last year, the city only generated $5,000, last year, compared with $22,000 in previous years. That left a shortfall needed to fund the fireworks.
Ron Williams asked the city Tuesday for $10,000 for the event, but the council only approved what they had in the fireworks permit fund which is $5,000. And even giving that is contingent on whether Williams ca secure some private funding to make up the difference in what it would take to have a fireworks show this year.
Last year, the city put fourth some revenue along with Eagle Communications, Bretz Law Offices and Showalter Fireworks putting up the rest to fund the display. Having fireworks at the fairgrounds has been a long standing tradition, even though the Hutchfest itself has waned in popularity in recent years.