RENO " The tough economy means the skies above Reno will be dark this New Year's Eve for the first time since 2000.
City officials and casino sponsors have canceled the fireworks display because of the recession.
"With the downturn in the economy, with people getting laid off and with the tightening of budgets all over town, we just didn't think it was right to spend $20,000 or $30,000 on something that goes up in smoke," Mayor Bob Cashell said.
"I believe in them and really like having them, but personally, I didn't think that it sent the right message to everybody."
The decision was made jointly by city officials and executives of the Eldorado, Circus Circus, Silver Legacy and Harrah's casinos, which help sponsor the show.