Manteca may continue to buck the trend of tight budgets prompting many Central Valley cities to drop Fourth of July aerial fireworks or else rely entirely on donations.

The City Council on Tuesday may OK a $16,800 contract with Zambelli Fireworks International to stage the aerial display at the Big League Dreams sports complex. Funding for the fireworks - and other Independence Day activities taking place at BLD - would be covered with $40,000 in undesignated reserves in the recreation fund. It is part of the hard hit general fund that pays for day-to-day municipal services such as police, fire, streets, and parks.

Staff is not recommending shifting the event because the Fourth of July falls on a Wednesday. During the past two years, the Fourth was part of a three-day weekend. That promoted the city to move the aerial display and celebration to the day prior to avoid paying more than $10,000 in holiday pay primarily to increased staffing for police.

The events at the BLD complex that range from entertainment to kids games are being shortened by two hours. The celebration will take place from 6 to 10:30 p.m. Those 13 and above will be charged $2 while those younger are free. A $2 fee will be charged for youth access to kids’ activities.

Between 6,000 and 10,000 people attend the city sponsored event.