A longtime Beaver Lake Fourth of July fireworks tradition has been canceled after Missouri-based AM Pyrotechnics filed for bankruptcy days before the holiday, prompting an investigation by the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office.

Community Left Frustrated

Organizers say this year’s display was expected to be the largest ever to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. Instead, organizer Gini Cocanower said she received an email Wednesday night from Missouri-based AM Pyrotechnics informing organizers the company had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and was canceling the show.

Cocanower said organizers had been in regular contact with the company leading up to the holiday. Additional payments were sent just three weeks ago to expand this year’s show, and she said she was still communicating with company representatives about permits Wednesday afternoon.

The cancellation has left volunteers wondering whether they’ll ever recover the money donated by the community. According to Cocanower, the fireworks display is entirely funded through donations from neighbors, with committee members volunteering their time to organize the annual tradition.

Since receiving the bankruptcy notice, organizers have requested either a refund or the opportunity to pick up the fireworks they already paid for so they could try to arrange another display. Cocanower said the company has not responded to multiple emails or phone calls.

Investigation Launched

The Arkansas Attorney General’s Office confirmed it has launched an investigation. Communications Director, Jeff LeMaster said in a statement, ‘This matter was brought to the attention of Attorney General Griffin, and he immediately opened an investigation. The investigation is active. Communities should exercise caution when contracting for large purchases and requires references, financials, and proof of prior performance, for example.’

Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.