HUTCHINSON, Kan. — For several years the city of Hutchinson would use revenue from the permits sold for 
fireworks stands during the Independence Holiday, to fund the annual fireworks display for Hutch Fest.
But when the city curtailed the type of fireworks that could be discharged, the number of permits fell sharply, from nine if 2012, to just two last year. That dropped the revenue generated from the $2,500 permits from more than $22,000 to just $5,000. That left a shortfall in the money needed to fund the fireworks put on by Hutchinson Festivals LLC, or Hutch Fest as it had been known. Now Hutch Fest will go before the City Council Tuesday asking for the usual help in traffic control and other duties downtown. They’re also asking for $10,000 to help fund the fireworks on July 4th.
Last year the city put forth some revenue along with Eagle Communications, Bretz Law Offices and Showwalter Fireworks to put on the display, which as been a long standing tradition, even though the festival has waned in popularity over the years.
Tomorrow’s City Council Meeting begins at 9 a.m. at the City Building.