Here's the Sunday editorial in the Coeur d'Alene Press:

After all the work that went into putting on a spectacular fireworks show July 4th, here’s the stinky dud in the water bucket: Negative $9,000. Unofficially, that’s the difference between what was raised and what was spent.

The Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce, which puts on the show, has plenty of time to figure out what it’s going to do next year. Here’s an idea: Nothing.

Our region has fallen into an entitlement mentality with its Independence Day celebration. With the exception of a handful of businesses that cough up hard-earned profits every year to support the show, and some kind-hearted patriots who toss bucks into buckets during the parade, most residents and visitors tend to soak in all the joy without sweating out a single cent. The bucket brigade this year, for instance, hoped to raise about $23,000 for next year’s show; a reasonable figure considering an estimated 30,000 people attend the parade. The final tally? Gulp: $1,435. More here.

Question: Is it time to end the 4th of July fireworks?

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