There will be fireworks at the Des Moines Pier this 4th of July, thanks to private donors agreeing to pay $7,000 for city services.
Once again this year, the biggest donor is Brooks Powell of Powell Homes.

The Des Moines Rotary Club will coordinate the event.

Due to a strapped budget, the city does not have the money to fund support staff for events in Des Moines. Any city staff time must be compensated from outside sources.

The $7,000 does not include marina staff. City Manager Tony Piasecki explained the marina staff will be working extended hours during the summer anyway and on the 4th of the July their hours will be adjusted so they are working when the fireworks go off.

Parks and Recreation Director Patrice Thorell told the City Council at the March 11 council meeting since the marina will still be under construction through July the city is planning on closing the north marina parking lot to cars at the top of Cliff Avenue. Pedestrians will be able to walk down into the marina to watch the fireworks.