A kinder, gentler and quieter meeting of the Pahrump Town Board was held Tuesday.

That's not to say there weren't any disagreements or strong opinions expressed throughout the four hour meeting that adjourned just after 11 p.m.

Town Manager Bill Kohbarger's suggestion to cancel the town's traditional fireworks display in Petrack Park on Independence Day and use the previously budgeted $25,000 for a fireworks show on December 12, at Honeysuckle Park fizzled in the fire of negative public comment.

Kohbarger explained the Pahrump Nugget would have a fireworks display on the Fourth of July.

Tim Lockinger, finance director for the casino and hotel, said the event was still being planned, but the Nugget was expanding last year's event. DJs, live bands, vendors and food booths to raise money for town organizations are already in the works.

But even the mention of a four-day carnival at the Nugget and picnic tables for the parking lot didn't stop residents from defending the time-honored tradition of a day in the park accompanied by fireworks.

The motion was defeated 4-1 with Chairman Nicole Shupp casting the only vote in favor.

"I have been here for 12 years," said Jeff Weist. "I have been in the park every year. Why do we want to move something that has been perfect for this town?

"We have a perfect fireworks display," Weist continued. "This is goofy. We fill this park every year. In December, we will be out in the cold, freezing our butts off out in the pavement."

Donald Cox said, "We have friends come from all over the country for this Fourth of July. Why do it at Christmas when it's so cold? This fireworks display is talked about all over the country. That's Independence Day. This is wrong."

Kohbarger responded, "The Nugget will be handling the Fourth of July."

Cox replied, "They are taking away something we have enjoyed for years. You are wrong on this. Leave our celebrations the way they are."

Bruce, who called himself the president of Pahrump, asked how much money the fireworks display costs the town. "We are spending money on things the town cannot afford, on fireworks and on advertising events. It's ridiculous."

Christina Stern said, "I think we should keep the fireworks the way they are. This is for children. I always looked forward to July Fourth and I still do.

"There's grass out there that everyone can sit on," said Stern. "It does bring a lot of people and the park is huge."

According to Harley Kulkin, "Some people don't understand that money isn't everything. I want to enjoy life. The weather certainly affects the turnout for events. How many vendors are going to come if there are no fireworks? It isn't broken. Don't mess with it."

Donna Cox agreed. "The fireworks are wonderful and I think they should have them forever," she said. "You can't kick back on an asphalt parking lot. I don't think we should spend $25,000 on fireworks in December."

Shupp explained that John O'Brien's fireworks have always been spectacular because each year he added many thousands of dollars worth of fireworks above what the town paid him; however, O'Brien is not putting on the firework show this year.

"The fireworks are for the children," continued Cox. "If you want to hold another event in December, I think you should go and raise money for it." Her comments echoed the words of the board at recent meetings where funds have denied or reduced for groups such as the Pahrump Arts Council.

Kelly Buffi, chairman of the Fourth of July celebration, spoke in favor of moving the event. "I have been in Pahrump since 1967. I understand the significance of moving the celebration. But we are not taking away an event. We are adding an event.

"Think of a December celebration where we are gathering toys. It will behoove the whole community."

Judith Holmgren questioned having fireworks in December. "Why not have indoor activities for children? Looking at fireworks in the cold in December is not the best use of fireworks."

She said winter weather could ruin the event. "It could rain. That would be a loss of money spent on fireworks."

Board member Vicky Parker told the gathering that indoor activities for children on Dec. 12 would be held in the community center. "We will continue to have 'Pahrump-a-Pum-Pum.' There will be games and Santa," said Parker.

Phill Huff had a slightly different perspective. "When we travel and tell people we are from Pahrump, they say, 'Oh yeah, the place with the brothels,'" said Huff. "That's because they have never come to our Fourth of July celebration.

"It's the premiere event here, based on the spectacular and the attendance. This town needs every respectable attracting it can get. Don't change it from July. It's totally and completely stupid with a capital S," said Huff.

Board member Mike Darby made a final comment before voting against the change. "We actually have a two-day celebration and I think that makes our celebration that much more spectacular."