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Fourth of July Firework Extravaganzas Around Town
By D. Oliver Black
I
love fireworks! There are simply not enough firework-related celebrations.
In my opinion, we should use them to commemorate everything. Give
me fireworks on my birthday, and when the time comes, have my ashes
loaded into a giant pyrotechnic rocket, and explode it high in the
sky.
But, before my timely explosion, let me to travel to Costa Brava, Spain. There,
in the town of Blanes — at the end of July, during three nights of the
Santa Anna festival — over 1,100 pounds of fireworks hit the skies as the
world’s most renowned rival pyrotechnicians compete to see who puts on
the best show.
And one of the reasons Disneyland is the “Happiest Place On Earth” is
the nightly fireworks extravaganza. Their display is a perfect concerto of music,
voiceover and explosions.
The Fourth of July is Friday, and there’s a slew of local choices to see
the skies light up. Many people choose to celebrate at home, but due to the extreme
fire danger, many counties have rigid restrictions in place. Some have even banned
roadside fireworks from being sold or used in their respective areas. Be sure
to check out whether you can use fireworks prior to purchasing them.
And remember, no matter how much you spend or how terrifying the name or picture
on the box, nothing “stand bought” compares to the professional shows.
And there will be some excellent firework extravaganzas for the whole family
to see:
CAL EXPO
This year, Cal Expo joins the City and County of Sacramento to produce the largest-scale
pyrotechnics display in the area’s history. Gates open at 6 p.m., and the
fireworks begin around 9:30 p.m. Admission is free. Reserved seating is $10,
and parking at Cal Expo is $8. It can be a traffic snarl after the show, so some
people choose to park outside or enjoy the show from the street. Music and dancing
are also included in the grandstand area. Cal Expo is still the best show in
town!
CARMICHAEL
La Sierra Community Center, 5325 Engle Road. Music by the Sacramento Valley Symphonic
Band begins at 7 p.m. with fireworks at 9 p.m. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs!
CITRUS HEIGHTS
Sunrise Mall (Greenback Lane at Sunrise Blvd.). At 7:30 p.m. enjoy a salute to
Santana with the smooth sounds of Solsa and Amigos. Fireworks start at 9:40 p.m.
with FREE fireworks viewing glasses.
DAVIS
Community Park, 1405 F Street. FREE swimming all day and fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
ELK GROVE
Elk Grove Regional Park, 9950 Elk Grove-Florin Road. Starting at 3 p.m., this
is an all-day event with fireworks at 9:45 p.m. Admission is free. Parking is
$10 per vehicle.
FOLSOM
Fireworks can be seen at the Pro Rodeo at Dan Russell Arena in Folsom City Park
on July 4th and 5th at 9:30 p.m. each night.
LINCOLN
McBean Park, 65 Bean Park Drive after 9 p.m. Free.
RANCHO CORDOVA
Hagen Park, 2197 Chase Drive is celebrating with fireworks on July 4th and 5th
at 9:45 p.m. Free.
ROSEVILLE
Placer County Fairgrounds. Gates open at 7 p.m., and fireworks begin at 9:30
p.m. Free parking in lots B and C.
Consider the price of gas before opting to travel, but it wouldn’t be right
not to mention the following:
LAKE TAHOE
South Shore’s “Lights on the Lake” is rated as one of the top
five displays in the nation and the largest synchronized fireworks display west
of the Mississippi. Begins at 9:30 p.m. Check http://www.tahoesbest.com/Calendar/july.htm for
details.
PLACER COUNTY
Gold Country Fairgrounds in Auburn at 1273 High Street. Fireworks begin at 9:40
p.m. And remember what Jeff Foxworthy said: You may be a redneck if …your
lifetime goal is to own a fireworks stand. Just call me a redneck.
This page and its contents ©2008
Metropolitan News Company, Inc.
