07/03/2026
Give Local First Statement Regarding Skyfire 2026
At Give Local First, our mission has always been to bring our community together through events and initiatives that benefit the people of the Ozarks. We understand that questions have recently been raised regarding the finances of Skyfire 2026, and we believe the best response is complete transparency.
As of today, approximately 95% of all funds raised specifically for Skyfire 2026 have been spent directly on this year's event. Those expenditures include the fireworks display, entertainment, venue expenses, safety and security, insurance, equipment rentals, marketing, and the many other costs required to host a safe, enjoyable, family-friendly celebration.
Our sponsors and donors support Skyfire because they want to see a quality event for our community, and we take that responsibility seriously. Every financial decision is made with the goal of creating the best event possible while ensuring the long-term sustainability of Give Local First and its community initiatives.
Give Local First is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We are committed to responsible stewardship of every dollar entrusted to us. Like all nonprofits, we maintain detailed financial records, operate under board oversight, and comply with all applicable reporting requirements. We welcome transparency and accountability and are prepared to answer questions with facts rather than speculation.
While we recognize that there may be differing opinions about how events should be managed, our focus remains on serving our community—not engaging in public disagreements. We are grateful for every volunteer, sponsor, donor, vendor, and attendee who has helped make Skyfire possible over the years. Their contributions have been instrumental in building an event that thousands of families enjoy each Independence Day.
Tonight is about celebrating our community. We hope everyone will join us for Skyfire 2026 and enjoy an evening together as neighbors, friends, and families.
Thank you to everyone who continues to support Give Local First and our mission of investing in the communities we proudly serve.
Send a message to learn more