Akron, Ohio
Savings: $106,000
Budget constraints forced Akron to nix its 35-year-old tradition of holding fireworks over the city's six-lane highway.
"In a year when we're facing more layoffs and furloughs in city jobs, it's just not productive to spend $106,000 on fireworks. That's the cost of employing one fireman or policeman for a year, or two administrative assistants or custodians," said Dave Lieberth, the city's deputy mayor.
The town's residents can attend a short display that is being funded through private sponsorships, Lieberth said.
Euclid, another Ohio city, canceled its celebrations for a second straight year due to stressed finances.
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Last updated July 02 2010: 3:14 PM ET
