Time Running Out For Bankrupt Vallejo To Come Up With Fireworks Funds
VALLEJO (KCBS) - It's no secret that the City of Vallejo has struggled financially. Still, in the past, it's managed to put on a Fourth of July fireworks show nonetheless.
Plenty of people simply "assume" fireworks will also be a part of July 4th celebrations, but in Vallejo that's hardly the case.
In 2009, the skies were dark, and a year later, entrepreneurs Ken Ingersol and Ray Prather stepped in to revive Vallejo's tradition. This year, it hasn't been as easy on the pair - as of Friday morning several thousand dollars shy of the $18,000 needed to produce the show.
"There's not too many times you see Vallejo on the news and it's for a good thing," lamented Prather. "So you know, the fireworks is something that Ken and I came up with that we could start and help out with because in 2009 when they didn't have them it was just like wow, we don't even have fireworks?"
KCBS' Holly Quan Reports:
It's a patriotic display that plenty of people also consider a morale booster for the community. But, city officials reason there is a fireworks display at nearby Six Flags Discovery Kingdom amusement park as an alternative for the community to watch fireworks - without having to foot a big bill.
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