Cost Dispute Cancels Queen Mary Fireworks (4th of July)

LA TIMES ^ | May 28, 2005 | From a Times Staff Writer

[TexAsia]

The Fourth of July fireworks display at the Queen Mary in Long Beach has been canceled this year because of a dispute over who should pay for police and fire protection, officials said Friday.

The show, which was to mark its 22nd anniversary, has usually drawn tens of thousands of spectators to the retired luxury liner and the Long Beach shoreline.

The display was called off after city officials asked the ship's operators to foot the bill for as much as $70,000 in police and fire protection, representatives for both sides said.

Joseph Prevratil, president of the RMS Foundation, which operates the Queen Mary, said the public safety charge would have come on top of the $50,000 cost of the display itself.

"It's just not economically feasible," Prevratil said.

[TexAsia]

My First post; I dont think it will incur the wrath of any axe wielding felines though.

4th of July fireworks will be missed here in LBC. But, this is California and priorities can be a little confused at times.

I wonder what the "Pride Parade" cost the City of Long Beach this year...

TexAsia

[al baby]

well maybe just one

A cat has become the first fatality of the fireworks season after suffering severe burns and a deep wound in a suspected firework attack in Oldham, Greater Manchester. The incident has prompted the RSPCA to remind pet owners to protect their animals and follow the firework code. It is believed a firework had been attached to the tail of four-year-old tabby Jay. It later had to be put down because its injuries were so serious.