City Council looking to get ‘big’ fireworks show for July 4
This Independence Day, viewers of Butler’s fireworks show can see the financial collaboration of several community businesses and organizations explode in the sky.
Butler City Council entered into an agreement with New Castle-based Zambelli Fireworks to provide a show July 4 for $18,500. While the city pledged $2,500 toward that cost, several community sponsors have contributed financially to the summer holiday tradition, including premier sponsor Butler Health System.
Mayor Bob Dandoy said the city has received “considerable support” from other businesses, including the Butler Eagle, the Butler County Chamber of Commerce, Pennsylvania American Water, Armstrong and Armstrong Comfort Solutions
“We have a little bit more to go, and, of course, we have some expenses with this we want to make sure we cover,” Dandoy said.
Dandoy said that he is no expert at identifying specifically what makes a good fireworks show, but said Zambelli officials told him “It’s a big one.”
So far, the fireworks show has $17,500 pledged, and Dandoy said the city is looking for another sponsor and additional donations to help cover the remaining cost.
Zambelli Fireworks provided a Fourth of July show for Butler several years ago for the cost of $15,000 and, according to Dandoy, this year’s will be at least of the same quality of the previous one. He said he would like to see the city stow away some money each year for the fireworks show.
“One of the things I am trying to do is kind of build that (budget) up a little bit so that each year we're not starting from zero,” Dandoy explained.
The fireworks will be set off at Pullman Park at dusk, and Dandoy said the rest lies in the hands of Mother Nature.
“Pray for beautiful weather, that’s the only thing I want,” Dandoy said.
