June 16, 2026
Library and Community Services
DATE: June 16, 2026
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
LaShonda White, Deputy City Manager-Community
Services
Ranjana Maharaj, Deputy Director for Community
Services-Recreation
Troy Porter, Recreation Supervisor
Subject:
Approve the Production Agreement Contract with Pyro
Spectaculars North Inc. for a Fireworks display Show on July 3, 2026
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The proposed $106,500 expenditure is included within the approved Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Community
Services–Recreation budget (Account String:
01254551-400222). In addition to this cost, the City’s Fire Department will be on standby for emergencies during
the fireworks display, and other City departments such as the Police Department and Public Works will also be
involved in the event, which will incur additional costs.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
City staff is seeking approval of the Production
Agreement Contract with Pyro Spectaculars North Inc. in the amount of $106,500 to provide a fireworks display
show for the City of Richmond on July 3, 2026.
AGENDA
REPORT
June 16, 2026
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
APPROVE the production agreement contract with Pyro
Spectaculars North Inc. to provide a fireworks display
show on July 3, 2026, at the Richmond Marina in an
amount not to exceed $106,500, with a term from June
16, 2026, through December 31, 2026 - Community
Services Department (Ranjana Maharaj/Troy Porter 510-
829-1825).
DISCUSSION:
Background
The City of Richmond has a longstanding tradition of hosting an Annual July 3rd Fireworks Celebration for its residents and community members. This beloved event brings together thousands of attendees each year and serves as a cornerstone of the City's community engagement and civic pride efforts. To ensure the successful continuation of this tradition, the City has completed all prerequisites necessary to move forward with the 2026 celebration.
Procurement Process
In accordance with the City's procurement requirements, a Request for Quote (RFQ) for the July 3rd Fireworks Show was posted on the City's Bids Online portal on October 3, 2025. Upon the close of the solicitation period, one proposal was received from Pyro Spectaculars North Inc., a licensed and experienced fireworks production company that has served as the City's fireworks vendor in previous years. Their familiarity with Richmond's event logistics, permitting requirements, and waterfront operations makes them a well-suited vendor to continue providing this service.
Event Planning & Coordination
Planning for the Annual July 3rd Fireworks Celebration is a multi-month effort that begins as early as January of each year. The event requires close coordination among multiple City departments and outside agencies to ensure public safety, regulatory compliance, and a seamless experience for attendees.
On the City side, a Special Event Permit is routed through an internal approval process that requires sign-off from the Richmond Police Department, Richmond Fire Department, Public Works, and other relevant City departments. Each department reviews the event plan to assess traffic control, crowd management, fire safety, site preparation, and other operational needs.
The selected vendor is responsible for managing the production side of the event, which includes coordinating the fireworks showcase, securing tug and barge services,
June 16, 2026
obtaining authorization to use a port facility for loading fireworks, and acquiring all additional permits required to legally and safely conduct the fireworks display over water.
Pyro Spectaculars North Inc. is responsible for securing the vendor to provide tug and barge services for the event, and they secure these services through a reputable marine services company with highly skilled operators, experienced crews, and well-maintained equipment suited to the demands of a waterfront fireworks production.
Staff Recommendation
Given the information provided by Pyro Spectaculars North Inc., the vendor's demonstrated experience with this event, and the timeline required to finalize all contracts and logistical arrangements in advance of the July 2026 celebration, City staff recommends that the City Council approve a Production Agreement Contract with Pyro Spectaculars North Inc. to produce and present a fireworks display for the City of Richmond on July 3, 2026, for a total contract amount not to exceed $106,500.
Approval of this agreement will ensure the City is able to deliver a safe, high-quality fireworks celebration that the Richmond community looks forward to each year. In addition to the fireworks display, participants will have access to food vendors and wonderful music at this family-friendly event.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Production Agreement with Pyro Spectaculars North, Inc.
Attachment 2 – Solicitation Summary Report