After 43 Years, MSUM Calls it Quits with July 4th Celebration

It’s the end of an era at MSUM.

After 43 years, the university will no longer host the annual 4th of July celebration.

At a town hall meeting this afternoon, MSUM president Anne Blackhurst confirmed that the Independence Day tradition is coming to an end.

The event featured fireworks, music and games.

The college will save more than $35,000 plus employee overtime pay.

The decision comes after school officials say they needed to refocus on their first priority: their students.

“Truthfully, happens during a time of year when our students are not on campus. And it’s been clear to us. It’s been coming increasingly clear to us that it’s just outside of our education mission as a public university,” says Blackhurst.

Bonanzaville, in West Fargo started its own fireworks show in 2013 and will host one again this summer.