KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
It looks like a long-standing Kodiak tradition might truly be fizzling away. For the second year in a row there will be no public fireworks display in the city on the 4th of July.
Last year a replacement could not be found in time to conduct the show after the long time pyrotechnic experts retired. This year, according to City Manager Aimee Kniaziowski, the fireworks were not even discussed by the city council.
The cost of buying and shipping fireworks has continued to skyrocket over the years. Kniaziowski says it annually cost the city up to $8,000.
And she points out that not just anybody can put on a professional aerial firework show – it requires special licenses and training.
If the fireworks show ever does come back, finding an appropriate place to launch from will be an issue as Near Island continues to become more built-up. The launch site for the last show, two years ago, had to be moved from just across the channel from downtown to the far end of Dog Bay.
