Jay to cancel events

In a vote of 3 to 1, the Jay Town Council approved canceling its annual July 4th fireworks show, citing shipping issues, the upcoming Bray-Hendricks park demolition and renovation. Councilwoman Nina Hendricks voted against canceling the show.

Town of Jay Operations Manager Eric Seib told the council the cost of fireworks has risen this year to $15,000 due to shipping delays, shipping costs and China's increase in pricing, as compared to $10,500 last year.

With the park demolition scheduled to start Tuesday, July 5, council members agreed Sunday is not a good day to hold fireworks because families are attending church and Monday would be too close as one day prior to demolition, with barriers in place, which would limit space for people to watch and make it a bigger liability since fireworks start at dark. The general consensus for Saturday, July 2, is that it is too soon, with the 4th two days away.

“As much as I hate this because my dad was part of the original group who put fireworks together almost 50 years ago, I think if we were going to skip a year, this is the year,” said Councilman Jane Hayes.

Hayes cited her reason for the cancellation is the construction starting at Bray-Hendricks Park, the fact that July 4th is on a Monday this year and shipping delays.

“Even if the fireworks are more, we don't know if they will arrive in time because there are still supply chain issues,” said Hayes.

Councilman Josh Holloway said all the recreational sports groups have been made aware that demolition is set for early July.

Councilwoman Hendricks made her decision clear early on.

“I want to do it,” she said.

“Me too,” was Mayor Shon Owens' answer.

Discussion led to possible alternate cites and dates in the town being utilized, but Owens and Hayes both agreed that this is the year to not have fireworks if there were ever one and residents would understand.

Owens suggested downtown activities in lieu of fireworks and Hendricks agreed, assuring it is for one year only. Owens noted that may promote having additional activities on the 4th, not just fireworks, from now on.

“We've never gotten the biggest bang for our buck for the 4th of July,” said Owens. “Because nothing follows it and nothing's ahead of it. It's strictly nothing but fireworks. That's one thing we should put together with this new park what we put together to make sure there is an event, before or after.”

Councilwoman Hayes said she thought the town should take that $15,000 this year that the town would spend on fireworks and save it for when the park opens next year and make it a big event.

“As much as I don't want to, I think I am leaning towards Jane's recommendation,” said Owens.

Councilwoman Hayes made a motion to not have fireworks this year due to aforementioned issues and spend it for the park grand opening or 4th of July park grand opening next year, whichever comes first. The motion was seconded by Owens.

Hendricks wanted to postpone the decision to cancel fireworks, citing that it is such a significant, long-standing event in Jay. She said she would like to see what the community wants, suggesting a Facebook survey to get public input.

Owens, Hayes and Holloway voted yes. Hendricks voted no.