Kansas City suburb cancels fireworks show, blames economy

BLUE SPRINGS, Mo. -- The economy has some communities reconsidering the value of their big July Fourth fireworks displays, and one such town near Kansas City has already scrapped its plans.

Officials in Blue Springs, Mo., say they're canceling their annual free holiday display. The decision comes as city staff are reviewing all spending for potential savings.

Skipping the show, city officials say, will give the town "some immediate budget relief."

Mayor Carson Ross says he hopes locals will still enjoy the holiday, noting that the town is one of a small number of area communities that permits shooting off fireworks within city limits.