Fourth of July in Berwyn will be celebrated with a little less bang this year.

As the city continues to struggle financially, aldermen voted 5-1 June 23 to ax the annual fireworks display from this year’s Independence Day celebration. Berwyn joins several of its neighbors, including North Riverside and Riverside, in deciding to forgo the holiday’s traditional entertainment in favor of fiscal prudence.

“Considering the economic times we’re facing right now, I think it’s prudent of us to cancel,” said Alderman Rafael Avila, 7th Ward.

Berwyn’s fireworks display is typically held each year at the Morton West High School field and draws anywhere between 100 and 300 people, Mayor Robert Lovero said.

The cancellation will save the city $20,000 for the fireworks and another $55,000 that is used to pay overtime for additional police and fire services that are required to hold the event.

Lovero proposed canceling the fireworks after hearing of similar moves from other municipalities in the area. Lovero said he has spoken to leaders in a neighboring community about the possibility sharing the cost for fireworks next year.

“Most of the communities around us have canceled their fireworks basically because of the economic times,” Lovero said. “Based on the (economic) strain this is putting on everybody, we’re talking about possibly joining together next year.”

The city still plans to hold a brief fireworks display during Berwyn’s annual National Night Out event Aug. 4, Lovero said. Fireworks also will be held during the city’s annual Maria SS Lauretana

Festival at about 9 p.m. Sept. 6, according to Carl Reina, the event’s organizer.
Alderman Cesar Santoy, 5th Ward, who cast the lone vote to save the fireworks, said he supported the city’s effort to save money but that fireworks are a necessary staple of July 4 celebrations.

“The most important thing to me is that it’s a matter of tradition,” Santoy said. “I know it’s tough financial times, but I think that’s maybe all the more reason to put on a fireworks show.”