The bulk of the July 28, 2026, Normandy Park City Council Special Meeting was dedicated to a highly controversial topic: the future of local fireworks. While most councilmembers expressed hesitance to either fully condone or outright ban fireworks, recent events have brought the issue to the forefront.

A Successful Collaboration with the Cove

This year’s Independence Day display—a joint effort between the City and the Cove—received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the community. Councilmembers noted that festivities went smoothly and the Cove grounds were left in good condition. Following the success, the Cove indicated it is open to partnering with the city again next July.

Financial Considerations and Funding Models

While launching a future show would be slightly cheaper than this year was—thanks to already having the custom launch platform built for this year’s event—significant costs remain:

  • Logistics & Setup: Moving the launch platform into position requires a crane rental.

  • Event Infrastructure: Expenses include portable toilet rentals and extra police staffing.

  • Timing Savings: Hosting the event on July 3rd reduces pyrotechnician fees, as prices peak on July 4th.

Mayor Eric Zimmerman made his stance clear, asserting that no tax dollars should fund a future fireworks display without explicit consent from a majority of residents.

To address funding, the council discussed several ideas:

  • Fundraising Challenges: Councilmember Susan West pointed out that raising funds for Winterfest takes a full year, and a fireworks show is even more expensive. Using a public “thermometer” display to track community donations toward the goal was suggested.

  • Hybrid Funding: Deputy Mayor Sue-Ann Hohimer proposed a split model where community donations fund the fireworks show itself, while the city covers essential event logistics like portable toilets.

Bans, Enforcement, and the Ballot Option

Mayor Zimmerman wondered whether the city could theoretically ban personal fireworks while endorsing an official municipal show to better regulate the activity. However, councilmembers were skeptical about the effectiveness of prohibition:

  • Enforcement Reality: Councilmember Shawn McEvoy cautioned that bans often fail, noting that neighboring Burien banned fireworks years ago yet remains a major hotspot for illegal displays. It was noted that a formal ban might help police target illegal mortar sales.

  • Supply Chain Limits: Police Chief Dan Yourkoski emphasized that as long as state law permits tribes to sell fireworks, illegal fireworks will continue to find their way into Normandy Park regardless of local bans.

  • Voter Decision: Councilmember Jack Lamanna voiced concern that top-down prohibition could backfire. He advocated for placing a potential fireworks ban on the public ballot. While placing a measure on the ballot carries a financial cost for the city, he noted it would put the choice directly in the hands of voters—making the outcome far more likely to be respected than a council mandate.

What’s Next?

Putting aside the question of a fireworks ban for now, the council agreed to schedule a public Town Hall in September.

The meeting will focus on gathering community feedback regarding this past year’s fireworks show and gauging interest in future displays. The exact date in September is yet to be determined.