Jay Grossman

hometownlife.com

About a month after Plymouth Township cancelled its Fourth of July fireworks show, Birmingham has followed suit and scrapped its July 3 show at Lincoln Hills Golf Course.

Officials in both communities say the cost of providing public safety for the annual pyrotechnic display is getting too exorbitant. Plus, the crowds keep getting bigger each year — mainly because more and more municipal shows are getting canceled.

“With fewer local communities providing fireworks over the past several years, the city’s public safety and service departments have continually evaluated this event and its growth and recognized the event has exceeded the capacity of services necessary to support it at this venue,” Birmingham officials said in a statement Wednesday.

Related:

Michigan woman accused of choking teen over Disney fireworks view

11 Michigan parks to offer fireworks-free camping in July

Birmingham Mayor Mark Nickita said he supports the decision, even though he understands many residents will be disappointed by the cancellation of a yearly family tradition.

“Ultimately, we want all of our city events to be a fun and safe environment for all attendees,” Nickita said Wednesday. “But with the growing crowds that are packed into the golf course and adjoining streets, our ability to effectively provide this environment becomes significantly hampered.”

Plymouth Township officials offered similar reasons when they announced in March the cancellation off the annual fireworks show and community picnic at Plymouth Township Park.

The village of Beverly Hills contributes $1,800 each year to the Birmingham show, since Lincoln Hills borders the two communities. Bloomfield Township and Bingham Farms also chip in a few hundred dollars each year.

Beverly Hills Manager Chris Wilson said he isn’t surprised by the decision.

"I understand," Wilson said. "The demand on manpower and infrastructure for large crowds like that is significant. They are really regional events, but the primary burden falls on the hosting municipality. It was different 25 years ago, when every town had their own show.”​

Contact Jay Grossman: jgrossman@hometownlife.com | 586-826-7030 | Twitter: @BhmEccentric