Was That the Last Detroit River Fireworks Show?

There were pyrotechnic delights, brilliant explosions and a flicker of hope.

As Detroit teeters on the brink of bankruptcy, people flocked to the riverfront Monday for the annual fireworks show, hoping they weren’t witnessing the end of a treasured tradition, the Windsor Star reports.

The cash-strapped City of Detroit is slashing budgets and luxury expenses, meaning it might not be able to continue spending money on the fireworks. The city’s recently approved budget cuts more than 2,500 jobs and cuts spending by $250 million.

Target Corp. pays about $1 million a year to sponsor the annual show, now in its 54th year. But Detroit spends up to $700,000 annually to cover police and traffic control.

Some last-minute support from the Wayne, Oakland and Macomb Sheriff’s offices saved this year’s show. But Detroit Mayor Dave Bing has said future Detroit-based events are being “carefully reviewed.”