(Nixa, MO) -- A 20 year tradition in Nixa won't be happening this year. Nixa's annual Sky High 4th of July celebration has been cancelled and that means many families will have to find a different way to celebrate.

For many people, news that this year's Nixa fireworks are cancelled not only comes as a disappointment.  It also comes with a little bit of panic.
"My grandchildren usually go to that,  so I don't know we'll have to change it," said Martha Weaver of Nixa.

Sharon Whitehill Gray, president of the Nixa Chamber of Commerce, says the economy is the reason this year's celebration blew up.
 
She says an 18 minute show normally costs around $12,000.  $4,000 usually comes from the city, and the rest is paid by the fire protection district and business donations. But this year, the city wasn't able to provide those funds,  and the Chamber couldn't make up the difference.
"We still have to turn the lights on and pay the utility bills."

Gray says when budgeting issues came up in the past, the chamber was still able to find a way to get the money. But the national construction decline is starting to take it's toll on Nixa's economy. "Three years ago we had over 600 building permits, last year we had 34 and this year we had 4. That affects our whole community.

The city is already working on trying to generate money for next year's celebration.  B ut this year, people will have to find somewhere else to see fireworks-- or take their eyes off the sky.

"We always get together with our friends and family on the 4th of July to watch the fireworks and there won't be any," said Judi Black of Nixa.

Springfield's annual Firefall 4th of July celebration is also cancelled this year due to funding shortages.

For a complete look at area celebrations that will be held this year, visit our 4th of July page.