Financial constraints have forced Cranston, Glocester and North Providence to cancel their traditional Fourth of July fireworks shows.

In North Providence, which is struggling to overcome a $10-million operating deficit, putting on the usual $20,000 display in Governor John A. Notte Jr. Park would be imprudent, said Mayor Charles A. Lombardi. He said he has established a committee that will seek private donations to allow the show’s return next year.

In Cranston, private donations underwrote the $15,000 to $20,000 fireworks display at Cranston High School West in each of the last two years. Donors came through again this year, but Mayor Allan W. Fung said he had to decide between the fireworks show and keeping open the city’s popular Budlong Pool this season. “This year, during these tough times, it was more important to keep kids active and safe for a two-month program,” Fung said.

Glocester called off its fireworks about two weeks ago after its parade committee realized it would not be able to raise the needed $12,000 to $15,000 without compromising other traditional events, said Connie Leathers, the committee chairwoman.

“The parade survived the depression, so we are going to make it through 2009,” Leathers said of the Ancients and Horribles Parade, set to kick off at 4 p.m. Saturday from Routes 100 and 98.

Leathers said committee members originally planned to hold fireworks the weekend of July 11 but plans changed as the state cut funding to cities and towns and Glocester slashed the parade committee’s budget in half.