By Mary O’KEEFE and Robin GOLDSWORTHY

This was a banner year for the Crescenta Valley Fireworks Fourth of July show, which celebrated the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 

The traditional fireworks show was held at CV High School’s newly refurbished track and field, which now is a bright blue. Due to the latest repairs/refurbishments to the field there were some restrictions that were unusual, including no chairs, strollers or wagons allowed on the field; however, it appeared that most who were in attendance knew of these restrictions – and that did not seem to affect the outcome. There was a large crowd in attendance. 

There was a steady stream of hungry people who lined up at the eight different food trucks. 

“It’s clean and friendly here,” said Crystal, a fireworks attendee. 

Another attendee, Rei, recently moved to California and was attending the event for the first time. She said so far she loved the good weather. 

Rei, Crystal and 12-year-old Alexia were all happy to be at CVHS, enjoying the relaxed community feeling and easy parking. 

“I like the fireworks and the food,” Alexia added. 

Another change this year was the absence of inflatables. According to organizers, the Glendale Unified School District restricted having inflatables on the new track and field. 

Assemblymember Nick Schultz, representing District 44, was on hand to act as master of ceremonies for the event. When asked why, despite the country’s division, it was important to celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence, he said the country has been divided before but it was important to remember the motivation of the Founding Fathers. 

“They had a commitment to freedom of choice and to democracy,” Schultz said of the signers of the Declaration. 

He said the Republic that has lasted for 250 years was not governed by a king and “if we don’t like the direction the country is going we can elect [someone else].” 

“It’s really an incredible experience,” he said of serving his constitutes. Schultz recently completed his first term and was elected to serve another term. He added he is not from a rich family nor from a family that had served before in public office; he is a husband and father. If elected each time, he will be termed out after six consecutive terms of two years each, and then someone else will be in the office. 

“But that’s what [America] does – we select a citizen for that [elected] role and then turn the [job] back,” he said. 

Schultz added that America’s first President, George Washington, rejected running for a third term; he did not want to be king. 

This was not the first time Schultz had been at the CV Fireworks show and he said he loved the event. 

“I am so excited to be here [at CV Fireworks]. This is [one of] the longest standing, iconic fireworks show in California,” he said. (The longest show is at the Rose Bowl.) “I am honored and feel privileged to be the emcee, especially for the 250th.” 

CV Fireworks is organized by the CV Fireworks Association, a non-profit organization that works throughout the year to raise money to create the show so many people love. There are hundreds of volunteer hours that are required to put the show on, including setting up tables, chairs and fencing around the area – and then having to put it all away at the end of the show. 

Prior to the fireworks display, the Mary Dyer Band entertained the thousands of people who came to the show. The popular local cover band played crowd favorites that brought people to their feet. Commonly found Thursday nights at Therapy at the Roar Room (3645 Foothill Blvd.), the band welcomed in the fireworks show.

To see more photos, visit www.cvweekly.com/NEWS.