July 3rd Fireworks Cancelled in Cedar Rapids—Blame the Budget

One of the best parts about summer is fireworks. I'm not talking about the constant 'booms' coming from houses around town. I'm talking about the big, light-up-the-sky fireworks displays that we're treated to in Eastern Iowa each year. Unfortunately, a traditional fireworks show held on July 3rd is officially cancelled this year.

CBS2 reports that the annual July 3rd fireworks show put on by the Cedar Boat Club won't be happening in 2025. The reason? The skyrocketing cost of fireworks. The tradition of the fireworks show the day before Independence Day began back in 1976, when members began to provide a free, privately funded fireworks show. But due to costs, the show won't happen this July.

According to a Facebook post, the news isn't all bad. While the fireworks show won't happen this July, the Cedar Boat Club says that it DOES plan on putting on a huge fireworks display on July 3rd, 2026. Next year will mark the Semiquincentennial for the United States of America. The CBC is promising that next year's display will be one of the biggest and best ever!

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