Milledgeville’s biggest fireworks display ever is right around the corner, as is America’s 250th birthday.
The municipal fireworks show is all set for Friday, July 3. The Milledgeville City Council has budgeted $20,000 for this year’s show, an increase of $7,000 over last year. On top of that, City Hall has entered into a contract with Pyrotecnico, which has handled the fireworks for the past six Super Bowls. Pyrotecnico also is the fireworks partner for the University of Georgia, Sanford Stadium, and Stone Mountain Park.
“Last year, we had a fizzle, so this year we’re having an extravaganza,” Mayor Mary Parham Copelan told The Baldwin Bulletin earlier this week. “We just want everybody to come out and have a wonderful time.”
The “fizzle” the mayor referred to was the 2025 municipal fireworks show. After it was over, people quickly took to social media. “Pitiful” was an oft-used description. The show lasted somewhere between 7-10 minutes, depending on who was counting. The 2024 municipal fireworks, by contrast, lasted roughly 20 minutes. Many onlookers complained of limited sight lines and an overall underwhelming experience. Then, there was the timing, as the show began while the sun was still setting.
The contractor for last year’s display – Freedom Fireworks – ultimately apologized and refunded the city the full amount, which was $13,500. City Hall then used that refund to increase this year’s fireworks budget.
The mayor added that “other fun things are in the works” for that night, although nothing has been finalized.
“Stay tuned,” she said.