The Big Boom

For many people, Memorial Day is the kick-off to summer. But many times the hangover of Gray May slips into June Gloom seeming to delay the arrival of the new season. Instead, we look to July 4th as the real beginning of summer fun.

Rarely does the holiday not live up to its reputation. Traditionally by July 4th the summer heat has arrived and the kids have claimed all rights to the pool. Grilling the evening meal is commonplace and sweaters are pretty much pushed to the back of the closet, if not stored elsewhere, to make room for lightweight clothes. This year’s July 4th forecast will (thankfully) be milder than the past few days but sunshine will still prevail.

To get into the Independence Day celebratory mood early, the community is invited to line Foothill Boulevard for the annual Sunland-Tujunga 4th of July Parade hosted by the Sunland-Tujunga Rotary Club. Past years have seen more than 80 entries, including floats, marching bands, riders on horseback, antique cars and members of local civic organizations, make their way down the boulevard. The parade route is about one-mile in length, from Vons in Tujunga to Sunland Park, and the parade begins at 10 a.m.

But of course nothing says July 4th like fireworks! Fortunately for us here in the foothills, two of our local high schools host spectacular fireworks shows. Over at the Verdugo Hills High School football field, the Sunland-Tujunga Shadow Hills Community Fund, in coordination with the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council, is having its annual July 4th fireworks show. Gates open at 5 p.m. and fireworks begin at dark. Tickets are $6 online, $8 at the gate. Kids under 30 inches are free. There will be food for purchase, kids games and live music.

Farther east, Crescenta Valley High School will be the site of a fireworks extravaganza. This will be the 11th year that the CV Fireworks Assn. has been coordinating a celebration for the community, and association members have got the project down to a science. Games, music and food trucks lead up to the main event – a fireworks show that dazzles thousands every year. This volunteer-driven event is truly a labor of love and the community can show its support by attending (tickets are $7 presale, $10 the day of the event, kids 7 and under and all active military get in free – gates open at 4 p.m.) and/or by donating to the association by visiting www.cvfireworks.com and clicking on the Donate button or by sending your donation to Crescenta Valley Fireworks Association, 2629 Foothill Blvd. #179, La Crescenta, CA 91214. The association is a non-profit, so your donation is tax deductible!

In addition to being awesome to watch, these professional displays will hopefully dissuade people from shooting off at-home fireworks purchased outside the area. No at-home fireworks are allowed in all the unincorporated county communities and those areas immediately surrounding the foothills. So be safe and don’t worry about breaking any laws by planning to watch a professional (and awesome) fireworks display.

  robin goldsworthy