Hairbangers Ball to headline Independence Day Celebration in Wilmington

It might only be January, but the city of Wilmington is already getting set for summer.

This week, the members of the Wilmington City Council gave a thumbs up to the planning for this year’s Independence Day celebration on the North Island Park, including booking some popular local talent.

The city approved a contract with Hairbangers Ball, a popular band in the Southland known for its live performances all across the region and the Midwest, to perform at the celebration, set to take place on June 30.

“They are very popular, known throughout the region, and we’re excited about it,” city administrator Jeannine Smith said.

The band is part of the overall celebration, which will include other entertainment and a fireworks show. The budget for this year’s celebration has been increased to $22,000, slightly above last year’s budget of $20,000. Last year’s celebration came in under that budget.

“Last year we were able to produce an event that cost about $15,000, and we were able to bring in about $12,000 in sponsor donations,” Smith said, adding that the city expects similar donation amounts this year, but are accounting for inflationary issues. “We’re planning on budgeting $22,000 this year, and looking for $15,000 in sponsor donations.”

The contract with Hairbanger’s Ball will take up $4,500 of that budget.

That total estimated budget includes the cost of fireworks as well as entertainment.