06/26/2009

Associated Press

Residents of Nixa will have to find a new way to celebrate Independence Day this year.

The southwest Missouri town has decided to cancel its Sky High Fourth of July event because of budget troubles.

The Nixa Chamber of Commerce, the city and the Nixa Fire Protection District had paid for the $12,000 event. But budget cuts at the chamber and the city led to the decision to drop the 22-year tradition.

Chamber of Commerce Director Sharon Whitehall Gray said the city doesn't have $12,000 to blow up in 18 minutes. She said the chamber is considering options for next year's event.

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Information from: The Joplin Globe, http://www.joplinglobe.com