Wilmington’s Independence Day fireworks will cost $30,000–two thirds of it coming from city government coffers.
And that’s a bit more than the city is comfortable paying, at least on an ongoing basis.
Officials this week said they’re scouting for sponsors to help fund downtown’s future fireworks shows, each said to draw 40,000-50,000 visitors.
If the city can’t successfully secure sponsors for next year–whether public or private–it might have to settle for a cheaper, smaller-scale show, said Amy Beatty, the city’s superintendent of recreation and downtown services.
This year, two sponsors are on board: PNC Bank and Duke Energy, together covering a third of the $30,000 total. Beatty said this year the city was near to closing on a $20,000 title sponsor, but that entity pulled out.
Last year, the city had $15,000 in commitments from two private sponsors that pulled out late in the game, and–like this year–it would have been for the city to cover had a resident not stepped up with a gap-closing donation. Architect Henry Johnston donated the money in dedication to his late wife, Lorene Johnston, who he said adored the annual display.
Related story: Wilmington man donates $15,000, fills fireworks funding gap
During a review session at Wilmington City Hall on Monday, Councilman Neil Anderson asked staff what perks corporate contributors receive for sponsoring such events.
Beatty said PNC and Duke Energy, for instance, will be featured on printed materials and on the city’s website; they can also set up booths downtown to distribute promotional items or merchandise.
Larger donations, like $20,000, would earn the contributor the title to the show (i.e. “The [Sponsor Name] Independence Day Fireworks Blast”).
Anderson said it’s worth examining how the city can better “entice” private sponsors.
“We are also considering asking other public entities to participate,” Beatty said.
New Hanover County’s government has not been a contributor, the city noted.
Ben Brown is a news reporter at Port City Daily. Reach him at [email protected] or (910) 772-6335. On Twitter: @benbrownmedia
