As the economic downturn squeezed municipal budgets across the country, many U.S. cities canceled the annual fireworks displays on the Independence Day, which falls on July 4th, U.S. media reported Friday.

Flint, Michigan, will go without its traditional July Fourth fireworks display this year, because the city couldn't afford the costs of 40,000 U.S. dollars, according to local TV station WJRT.

In Florida, Miami-Dade County canceled one of its two shows to save about 40,000 dollars, according to WPLG TV.

Monterey, California, also nixed its show and an accompanying party to save about 150,000 dollars.

In Illinois, WLS-TV reported that the cities of Harvey, Berwyn, Elgin, Gurnee and North Riverside canceled the Independent Day fireworks display.

Blue Springs, Missouri, canceled the pyrotechnics to give the city "some immediate budget relief," according to KCTV.

However, the American Pyrotechnics Association said fireworks display companies are working with their clients to make sure the shows go on.

The nation hosts about 14,000 fireworks shows each Independence Day, according to the association, which said it believes the majority of shows will go on this year.

Tucson, Arizona, canceled its fireworks display to save money, but private donors stepped in to save the celebration.

Source: Xinhua