Worried about wildfire danger, many cities cancel fireworks displays

From Colorado to Indiana, Wyoming to Missouri, dozens of cities and towns decided to scrap this year's fireworks displays. Given the parched conditions, vicious wildfires and fear that the shows may spark further fires, many show sponsors and government officials decided that the potential danger, outweighed the show.

With the recession bearing down in recent years, some cities had already been scaling back their celebrations. But this summer, it is the weather that is largely causing officials to take a pass. Because of the economy, the city of Monterey, California, had dropped its official fireworks display in 2009, but this year they opted for a less costly and safer laser light show presented by the Monterey Bay Symphony and paid for through private donations and sponsorship.