Last year La Crescenta Elemenary School playground was filled with people celebrating the Fourth of July.
By Mary O’KEEFE
Celebrating America’s Independence has been a tradition in the United States since 1776. On July 2, 1776 representatives from the 13 colonies, at the time still fighting for their independence, gathered to work on what would become the Declaration of Independence. Two days later, the delegates adopted the document and since then the Fourth of July has been seen as America’s Independence Day.
This year when communities gather to celebrate the Fourth of July, they will be continuing a strong 235 year tradition.
What more traditional way to celebrate than with fireworks. With the troubled economy many local fireworks shows have been cancelled, but not in La Crescenta.
“This is our community event,” said Steve Pierce, member of the CV Fireworks Association.
The event is funded through business and individual support. The fireworks celebration has had its ups and downs through the years. It has had changes in sponsorship and location but at its foundation it is stayed the same.
“It is a family event,” Pierce said.
There is no smoking and no alcohol allowed at the event, however coolers with sodas and food are welcomed. The coolers will be subject to search.
The fireworks celebration is held at La Crescenta Elementary School’s playground where attendees can sit up lawn chairs and blankets to watch the fireworks. Prospect Avenue above the school will be closed with booths and a giant slide for kids.
There will be plenty of food and drinks available for those who do not want to bring their own. Several food trucks including Border Grill, No Tomatoes, Let’s Be Frank and Frozen Crush. The Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce will be selling water and soft drinks.
As during the first Independence Day, the country is in war. Recognition and honor of those whose serve in the military is another CV Fireworks tradition. This year Captain Scott Mekelburg will be the guest speaker for the event.
Mekelburg is a former enlisted Infantry Marine and currently an active duty Captain in the California Army National Guard with 23-years of military service. He was deployed twice in support of Iraqi Freedom.
He said he was honored that he was asked to speak. During his speech he will share his feelings on what the Fourth of July means and how it honors our nation.
Tickets to the event remain at $5, with children two and under are free. Tickets can be purchased at several local businesses including the CV Chamber Office, CV Insurance, Bob Smith Toyota, J’s Maintenance, Pacific Outdoor Living and CV Weekly. Members of the CV Fireworks Association will be at the Harvest Market Sunday with tickets as well.
Tickets can also be purchased at the door. The event continues to take place through the generosity of the community. To donate to the fireworks association visit www.cvfireworks.com or mail a donation in the envelopes provided in the CV Weekly.
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