Harrison July 4th Fireworks Future Unsure

The Clare County Fair board has announced that this year’s Fourth of July fireworks display in Harrison will be the final one organized by the board citing ongoing financial challenges that have made the tradition unsustainable.

Approximately three years ago, the Harrison Chamber of Commerce made the decision to discontinue its long-standing sponsorship of the annual fireworks display in an effort to preserve the community tradition in the Clare County Fair Board stepped into a responsibility, hoping that local donations and community support would offset the cost of the event.

Despite those efforts funding his consistently fallen short over the past three years including this year’s display, the Fair Board has absorbed approximately $50,000 in expenses beyond what was raised through donations and contributions.

A breakdown of this year’s cost illustrates the financial gap.

The total cost of the fireworks display reached $18,000 contributions included $150 collected through donation canisters, $2000 from local businesses and $3000 from the city of Harrison. This left a short fall of $12,850 which is covered by the Fair board.

Board members expressed appreciation for the community’s support but noted that continuing to fund the event at such a deficit is no longer feasible. As a result the 2026 Fourth of July fireworks display will mark the end of the Fair Board involvement in organizing the annual event.

The decision brings uncertainty to the future of the holiday tradition in Harrison unless another organization or funding sources emerges to take on the responsibility in the coming years.

Respectfully,

Clare County Fair Board