Tariffs Raise Fireworks Costs for Some Towns but Others Fund Larger July 4 Shows

Double-digit tariffs have increased the price of fireworks ahead of the July 4, 2026 weekend, The Independent reported. Some displays cost twice as much as in prior years, prompting cancellations in smaller towns and larger budgets elsewhere. Kyle Henke, director of parks and recreation for Kirkwood, Missouri, said tariffs and excitement around the 250th anniversary doubled the price of the suburb’s typical $25,000 show.

Community members and businesses contributed about $45,000 toward this year’s roughly $50,000 budget. Henke noted the city usually raises about half its fireworks funds from private sponsors. Barrett Gray, who is helping plan celebrations in Deer Isle and Stonington, Maine, said fireworks prices doubled this year, primarily due to tariffs.

The shows cost about $15,000 for the two towns, which have roughly 3,500 full-time residents. The regional chamber of commerce tapped its reserves to cover the increase. Hinesburg, Vermont, canceled its display after the vendor set a $20,000 minimum price.

The town has a population of 4,698. St. Louis County, Missouri, also canceled its JB Blast event, which typically costs about $46,000, citing budget concerns and difficulty raising sponsor dollars. One 250th anniversary-themed show above the Las Vegas Strip was postponed Saturday due to high winds but occurred the following night.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll found that about one-fifth of Americans do not plan to celebrate the Fourth of July in 2026 and two-fifths doubt the United States will last another 250 years.