Fireworks — bring ’em back downtown

Fourth of July fireworks shooting into the summer evening above May's Island traditionally have capped the Freedom Festival, Cedar Rapids' biggest annual celebration. For the last two years, the show has been launched at Kirkwood Community College because of post-2008 flood problems in the downtown area.

Thanks to Kirkwood, but it's time to bring the fireworks back to downtown and the river. Two major obstacles remain.

The first is the cost the city says it would charge for providing police and fire services. In 2007, the bill for security was $1,300. Now, city officials say it would be closer to $30,000 because their resources are increasingly stretched. A huge increase. But, even if justified, it shouldn't be a deal breaker. Hire private security to cut costs. Ask businesses or the public for financial support.

Then there's public safety, the bigger of the two issues. On pre-2008 Fourths of July, large crowds gathered at May's Island and on nearby streets and bridges hours ahead of the fireworks. The atmosphere was festive, neighborly, bringing together residents from all over the city as well as many visitors.

But city officials aren't sure May's Island is safe enough. The parking garage under the island's surface was damaged in the flood and needs repair. There's worry the land above it is not stable.

City staff oppose a permit for downtown fireworks. City Council is scheduled to vote on the issue Wednesday. Meanwhile, city and festival officials say they're exploring options.

Greg Eyerly, the city's flood recovery director, told us Thursday that he hasn't ruled out use of May's Island. An engineering opinion last May recommended against allowing big crowds on the island until the garage is fixed. The soonest those repairs could be done is next year. However, a “more thorough assessment” expected to be completed in March should determine whether the island is safe anyway or if there are “some short-term things we could do” to safely handle a crowd, Eyerly said.

Good to hear. But even if May's Island can't be used, couldn't the event still be staged in the downtown area? Wouldn't nearby streets, bridges and river banks adequately accommodate large crowds?

We urge Freedom Festival and the city not to give up on downtown fireworks. City Council, delay a decision on the permit if necessary.

This event boosts community spirit and attracts visitors. More people coming downtown also enhances the festival's economic benefits.

Just as important is the symbolism - another sign of this city's determination to celebrate our best traditions and rebuild stronger than ever.