Cash-Strapped NY Town Cancels July 4 Fireworks

New Rochelle, N.Y. is appealing for donations to save holiday events amid budget problems

A cash-strapped New York town has had to cancel Fourth of July fireworks and is appealing for donations to save its celebration of America's birthday.

New Rochelle town officials say the Independence Day display costs $75,000, and was eliminated from the city's 2012 budget, along with the Memorial Day parade and Thanksgiving parade, which both cost $30,000 to put on.

The costs for those parades include $10,000 for the event and $20,000 for police, fire and emergency service support, the town said.

New Rochelle has asked for donations to help save the holiday celebrations, and so far, enough money has been collected to hold the Memorial Day parade.

Funding for the Thanksgiving parade is also coming in, officials said, but the news for July 4 is bleak.

"Should funds not be raised, this event unfortunately will remain canceled," the town said.

Mayor Noam Bramson said the town is in a "time of fiscal challenge" and depends on the support of donations to help out.

For information about donating, call 914-654-2087.

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