CITY OF MENIFEE
SUBJECT: Bid Award and Agreement with Fireworks & Stage FX America, LLC for Professional Pyrotechnic Services for the City's Annual Independence Celebration
MEETING DATE: April 1, 2026
TO: Mayor and City Council
PREPARED BY: Kori Jones, Senior Management Analyst
REVIEWED BY: Mariana Mitchell, Community Services Director APPROVED BY: Armando G. Villa, City Manager
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
1. Award bid and authorize the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with Fireworks & Stage FX America, LLC to provide professional pyrotechnic services for the City’s annual Independence Celebration Event in a total not-to-exceed amount of $30,000 through June 30, 2026; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to approve and execute up to four one-year extensions for a total aggregate amount not-to-exceed $145,049.74; and
3. Authorize the Finance Department to issue individual Purchase Orders (POs) on an as- needed basis, in an aggregate amount not to exceed the agreement amount.
DISCUSSION
The City of Menifee, in partnership with the Lake Menifee Women’s Club, annually hosts the Independence Celebration on the Saturday prior to Independence Day. This long-standing community tradition draws an average attendance of more than 13,000 residents and visitors and remains one of the City’s most well-attended and anticipated events. The celebration reflects strong volunteer involvement, interdepartmental coordination, and a shared commitment to fostering community pride.
As the City looks ahead to 2026, the Independence Celebration will also serve as Menifee’s primary opportunity to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. On January 21, 2026, City Council approved a one-time $15,000 event budget enhancement to thoughtfully incorporate this national milestone into the existing event framework, while preserving the traditions and partnerships that have long defined the celebrations.
City of Menifee Staff Report
Bid Award and Agreement with Fireworks America
April 1, 2026
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On December 4, 2025, the City of Menifee issued Request for Proposals (RFP) No. 2026-04 for Fireworks Display (Pyrotechnic) Services for the Community Services Department. Proposal responses were due on January 8, 2026. One proposal was received in response to the solicitation from Fireworks & Stage FX America, LLC dba Fireworks America.
Fireworks & Stage FX America was established in 1994 by a group of professional pyrotechnicians dedicated to high-quality displays. They specialize in pyrotechnic public displays, theatrical effects, cryo-effects, and flame effects with an emphasis on quality products, professionalism, and great customer service. The company has a positive reputation and good references. They have locations in Southern Utah, Idaho, and throughout California. This vendor has extensive experience producing fireworks displays throughout California, including numerous events for cities within Riverside County. This experience ensures familiarity with applicable state and local regulations, including permitting requirements, safety standards, and coordination with local fire and public safety agencies. After a full review of the proposal documents and references, staff requests to award a professional services agreement to Fireworks & Stage FX America, LLC.
In recognition of the nation’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the proposed 2026 fireworks program includes several enhancements designed to elevate the overall visual impact and commemorate this historic milestone. Compared to previous Independence Celebration fireworks displays, the 2026 program features a higher volume and greater variety of aerial shells, including an expanded selection of specialty and premium effects.
The show includes 2,424 aerial shells and 1,592 total shots compared to last year’s 378 total shells, creating a more dynamic and visually engaging presentation throughout the duration of the display.
Additional enhancements include an increased use of distinctive and specialty aerial effects, such as glittering comets, color-changing shells, serpentine effects, and specialty pattern shells. These elements are designed to add greater texture, variety, and visual depth to the display while maintaining a consistent pace through the use of multiple-shot barrage sequences. The program also features a one-minute aerial finale sequence, incorporating multi-color shells and aerial titanium salutes to create a more powerful and memorable conclusion to the event. These enhancements are intended to reflect the significance of the Semiquincentennial celebration while providing residents with a high-quality Independence Celebration experience.
For continuity of services and to support a consistent standard of quality production for this annual city event, Community Services is seeking to establish a professional services agreement for one- year with four additional one-year renewal options. The proposal provided by Fireworks America incorporates the expanded Semiquincentennial event budget of $30,000 in year one as well as pricing for subsequent event years with a 3% increase on the base pricing starting in year two resulting in the aggregate amount not-to-exceed $145,049.74. As part of the proposal process, the vendor submitted a highly competitive quote for the first year of the agreement for the expanded show. This is in comparison with what pyrotechnic shows have cost under the City’s previous contract. The City recognizes cost savings achieved by having the event take place on the weekend prior to the holiday. Historically, shows which take place on the 4th of July are quoted between $10K-$20K higher. Additionally, booking a 4th of July show with a regional vendor is difficult due to higher demand and existing commitments with other agencies. As stated during City of Menifee Staff Report
Bid Award and Agreement with Fireworks America
April 1, 2026
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the proposal process, Fireworks America would not be able to accommodate a Menifee show on 4th of July for 2026.
A breakdown of the proposed agreement’s pricing is provided in Table 1 on the following page.
TABLE 1 – PRICING BREAKDOWN
Term Description Amount Level of Service
Initial Term $30,000.00 250th Celebration – Larger show 20-min show, 1-min finale, 2,400+ shells
Option year 1 $27,500.00
Option year 2 $28,325.00
Option year 3 $29,174.75
Option year 4 $30,049.99
Years 2-5
20-min show, 1-min finale, 1,300+ shells
Total Contract NTE Amount $145,049.74
STRATEGIC PLAN OBJECTIVE
Unique Identity
FISCAL IMPACT
Budget for the initial term of the agreement in the amount of $30,000 is available in the Community Services Department FY 2025/2026 operating budget as indicated in Table 2 below. Funding for future fiscal years would be budgeted in the appropriate years within the Recreation division.
TABLE 2 – FY 2025/2026 AVAILABLE BUDGET
Fund Project Account String Available Budget
FY 2025-2026
General Fund 1100-CSD-RECR-709-15128-652800 $52,200
ATTACHMENTS
1. Fireworks & Stage FX America Agreement