Michigan City mayor cancels 2014 fireworks display

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. -- Ron Meer, the mayor of Michigan City, told city officials there will be no fireworks on July 4th in 2014 to save money.

For Michigan City, there's nothing quite like Fourth of July:  the lake, the festivals, and of course the fireworks.  But this year, the show will not go on.  

The city has placed a moratorium on the 2014 fireworks.  

Meer says this year's money is better spent elsewhere.  

This winter will be one of the most expensive in Michigan City history, but it's not just Mother Nature stopping shells from exploding in the sky.

 Michigan City officials took another look at the books, and instead of spending $50,000 on 20 minutes of entertainment, they want to preserve the city monuments.  

"As I looked at the priorities, I have a Vietnam veterans memorial on the lake front that needs refurbishing and I have Michigan City lighthouse that needs structural repair and a paint job," said Meer.  

The moratorium of the fireworks will not affect any other Michigan City Summer Fest activities.