WEIRTON — While this year’s Independence Day festivities were held only six weeks ago, one local city already is making preparations for next year’s celebrations.

Earlier this month, Weirton Council unanimously approved two contracts to purchase fireworks display services as part of observances of next year’s July Fourth holiday in 2026 — which will mark 250 years since the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence.

Mayor Dean Harris noted city officials, recognizing the milestone, felt fireworks vendors would be more in demand next year, and opted to approve contracts now to get ahead of the game.

“We understood how difficult it was going to be,” Harris said.

The city’s official Independence Day fireworks display will be held on the holiday itself, declared Harris.

“We will celebrate the Fourth of July on the Fourth of July,” he said, hinting there may be plans for vendors and other attractions, similar to this year’s holiday celebration, set up prior to the fireworks display.

That show will be organized through Acme Fireworks Co. Inc. of Acme, Pa., at a cost of $23,000, with a rain date of July 5, if needed.

The day before, though, arrangements have been made for another fireworks display.

Also through a contract with Acme, at a cost of $9,250, this display will be held July 3 and will follow the annual performance of the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra.

The concert is hosted each year at the Weirton Event Center through the cooperation of the Top of West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau, with support from local sponsors.

According to the resolutions, three proposals were received for the July 4 fireworks show, with two proposals submitted for the July 3 demonstration.