July 4th Fireworks Shows Must Go On

Ocean City's Fourth-of-July fireworks shows will go on in 2009, recession or no recession.

Despite a cost increase, the fireworks survived the scrutiny of the Mayor and City Council at a work session this week.

The council voted to extend the town's fireworks contract with Zambelli International for three years, but not without a brief disagreement over whether to put the contract up for competitive bidding.

Zambelli will continue to provide two firework displays, one at each end of town, on the evening of Independence Day, July 4, the holiday celebrating the birth of the nation. Coincidentally, July 4 also marks the birthday of Ocean City, which opened as a resort with the dedication of the Atlantic Hotel on July 4, 1875.

The cost of the fireworks displays, which had remained unchanged for several years, will go up $7,000 in 2009, to $62,500, and then remain at the same level in 2010 and 2011.

Zambelli attributed the higher price to a 10 to 15 percent increase in the cost of fireworks imported from China, with another 20 to 25 percent increase expected in 2009.

The company provides 18-minute fireworks shows, one at the south end of town, and the other at Northside Park. "Our visitors seem to be very, very satisfied with the shows they see," Councilman Jim Hall said.

"Zambelli fireworks are on time and brilliant," said John Sullivan, the town's special events director. In view of the company's "incredible track record" for safety and security, Sullivan recommended against seeking competitive bids from other companies at this time.

Councilman Joseph Hall argued in favor of competitive bidding after 12 years with the same company. Mr. Hall said the city should ask companies to submit two bids, one for 18-minute fireworks displays, and another for 15-minute displays.

But Councilman Jim Hall moved to accept the contract offer, saying, "This is very cheap for what we get." The contract passed on a 5-2 vote, with Council members Joseph Hall and Margaret Pillas holding out for competitive bidding.

If you're making plans, the Ocean City Fourth-of-July fireworks will be on . . . let's see . . . on July 4 this year! In the event of bad weather, the backup date is July 5.