Norwich – The annual July 4 fireworks festival, one of the biggest summer attractions at Norwich Harbor, will be canceled this year because of a lack of funding, Mayor Deberey Hinchey said Monday.

Hinchey, a member of the fireworks committee, cited the continuing tough economic times and the need to give regular donors a reprieve from being asked to support the numerous city events not funded through tax dollars. 

“The fireworks display has never been funded by tax dollars or any other city budgets,” the committee wrote in a posting on the Norwich website, www.norwichct.org, “but requires that an amount of $35,000-plus is on hand. This money is raised entirely through donations and fundraisers. In order for Norwich to have a fireworks show in 2017, we need to start raising funds at this time.”

The first fundraiser for next year's planned fireworks display will be the annual Ron D. Aliano Service Award presentation to be held in July at the Marina at American Wharf at a date not yet set. The award recognizes an individual for dedication of service to the community. This year, the committee also plans to recognize local businesses for their commitment to the community.

To donation items for the auction or to purchase tickets for the event, contact Hinchey's office at (860) 823-3742 or by email at mayorsoffice@cityofnorwich.org.

Hinchey said the committee started planning this year with just $2,000 left over from last year's fireworks, and decided to delay a year rather than scramble to try to raise the money. Longtime event chairman Michael Franklin also stepped down from the committee this year. Hinchey said he had done the work for a number of years and will be recognized by the City Council for his efforts.

“It's a lot of money to raise this year,” Hinchey said. “We're hoping if we have more time, we can really put something together for next year. We grappled with it long and hard, and it's just too hard. You're asking the same people all the time.”

In lieu of the canceled harbor show, the fireworks committee urged residents to attend the 7 p.m. July 4 Connecticut Tigers game vs. the Williamsport Crosscutters at the Thomas J. Dodd Memorial Stadium and stay for the post-game fireworks.

c.bessette@theday.com