It costs $6,000 and is considered the biggest draw in Forks Township every year.

But the Forks Township Community Days fireworks display landed on the township's fiscal chopping block — due to the township's looming financial crisis — at a recent meeting and almost went up in flames.

"I have a real problem when I see $6,000 for fireworks," Supervisor Bob Egolf said. "I think great, in 15 minutes to a half-hour, $6,000 goes up in smoke."

"We have an $8 million budget. I'm extremely concerned hearing that we don't need to spend money except on the absolute bare essentials," Supervisors Chairman Erik Chuss said. "It's the biggest event in Forks Township. To say we're not going to give $6,000 for fireworks I think is a shame." 

While the debate sizzled at times, talks about not funding the fireworks display later fizzled.

"Having attended Community Days over the last three years, the attendance has been astronomical," Supervisors Vice Chairman John O'Neil said. "It's a small investment to make. Shame on us if we're worried about a financial crisis. We should have taken care of that last year."

The board then approved the motion to fund the fireworks with Egolf voting against the measure.