This year's Boomsday to be the last

This will be the final year for Boomsday. Visit Knoxville made this announcement at a press conference held at their offices today.

"This decision was not an easy one, and it was not made without serious discussion with our board and input from community members," stated Kim Bumpas, president of Visit Knoxville.

Bumpas went on to say, "For the past several years, Visit Knoxville has been pleased to present Boomsday - one of the largest Labor Day weekend fireworks shows in the nation. Like many of you, I look forward to this event every year. As a longtime Knoxville resident, I am tied to its history."

In the past, Boomsday was funded entirely by Visit Knoxville and corporate sponsors. In an effort to fund and "save" Boomsday last year, Visit Knoxville attempted to create a ticketed event. This attempt was met with insurmountable obstacles that hinder future efforts.

Bumpas added, "We have looked at various ways to continue the event, but ongoing funding issues related to lack of interest prevents us from obtaining the proper level of sponsor dollars to make the event sustainable."