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Meanwhile, closer to Boston, Framingham made the \u201cdifficult\u201d decision to call off its annual Stars and Stripes event as well, due to budget cuts and staff layoffs, the city said in a statement. <\/span><\/p>\n Last year\u2019s celebrations held at the end of June featured fireworks over Farm Pond, live music and food, the city government\u2019s website<\/a> said. <\/span><\/p>\n The festivities were not renewed again this year, as \u201clike many communities across the Commonwealth, the City of Framingham [faces] significant budget constraints.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n In Rutland, officials said the decision to cancel fireworks, a parade and a concert was based only on safety concerns, not a lack of funds. <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cOur Police and Fire Chiefs have determined that they cannot safely support both the event and routine emergency services at the same time,\u201d Rutland officials said. <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cMoving forward under these conditions would put both attendees and the broader community at risk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n The town still plans to host other July 4th traditions such as the Junior Olympics, road race, pancake breakfast, and volleyball tournament.<\/span><\/p>\n Rutland\u2019s July 4th committee had already raised enough money to run the events, the town said.<\/span><\/p>\n The town government considered hiring outside staff, but decided it would raise further safety issues without a \u201cunified command structure\u201d or \u201ccoordinated operations,\u201d officials said.<\/span><\/p>\n Rutland raises funds for the annual activities from donations, the July 4th committee\u2019s website<\/a> said. Last year\u2019s celebrations cost about $55,000, according to the website.<\/span><\/p>\n The committee will not be returning donations since some funds were already spent, officials said. Remaining money will be used for future July 4th celebrations, the statement said. <\/span><\/p>\n Chloe Pisani can be reached at chloe.pisani@globe.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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