A day after Frio County issued a burn ban due to historical drought conditions, Pearsall city councilors have decided to host various tournaments in lieu of a fireworks show during the Independence Day holiday weekend.
“I know it is hard for everybody because July Fourth is a holiday everyone celebrates,” Mayor Ben Briscoe said. “I have never seen this type of heat in the thirty years I have been here, and the wind is brutal.”
A fireworks show, which was not included in the annual budget for this year, would cost the city $5,500 for a ten-minute display from Liberty Fireworks.
City Manager Federico Reyes recommended the fireworks display be postponed until next year, citing the continued burn ban in the county and ongoing water supply concerns.
Councilor James Leal suggested that the city host tournaments and other kid-friendly activities for the one-day celebration.
