(WSB Radio) Budget cuts have forced Gwinnett County to cancel its annual fireworks display this year.

Since 1988, the county has been sponsoring "Gwinnett Glows" with the help of sponsors.  Because of the economy, those sponsors have been harder to find and the county is not able to afford the $115,000 it usually spends on the display.

"The salaries and overtime for the public safety officers who are here the day of the event... and other little things like port-o-lets and extra trash bins and other associated expenses," says county spokesperson Heather Sawyer.

She tells WSB's Sandra Parrish that with no end in site to the budget crisis, the event will likely not be held next year either.

The news has disappointed many Gwinnett residents who have spent their holidays over the years at the event on the Lawrenceville square which also includes live music and activities for the kids.

"Me and my girlfriends and our kids always come. It's a great because we get to sit around and it doesn't really cost anything," says Lea Robertson of Lilburn.

She already had plans to spend this 4th at a lake outside Gwinnett, but says she's disappointed to learn she'll likely have to make other plans next year as well.