After decades of hosting an annual July 4th fireworks show at the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds, Victorville city leaders are moving the patriotic event.
“In celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary, we are trying something new this year,” city spokeswoman Sue Jones told the Daily Press.
Jones said tickets are now on sale for the city’s America’s 250th-themed Anniversary Celebration and fireworks show at Silverado High School.
Jones added that the celebration will feature the Fast Times Band playing ultimate ’80s hits, food trucks, the Silverado High School Cheer Team, giveaways and more.
The parking lot of Silverado High School will open at 5:30 p.m. on July 4, with stadium gates opening at 6 p.m. and the event starting at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $2 per person. For tickets, guidelines, and more information about the celebration, visit victorvilleca.gov.
Silverado High School is located at 14048 Cobalt Road near Palmdale Road in Victorville.
‘A new era’
“It’s a new era, and the city has the opportunity to start something new on the 250th Anniversary of the United States,” Mayor Liz Becerra told the Daily Press. “It should be a fun time and a fantastic fireworks show.”
Jones said the city of Victorville is grateful to Silverado High School for opening their stadium for the event.
“We look forward to hosting the community for this milestone event in our country’s history,” Jones said.
Fair officials saddened
SBC Fair CEO Jennifer Morgan told the Daily Press they were saddened that the city decided to end its long-standing tradition.
“The decision was solely the city’s to change the location and we were just as surprised to get an email about the change,” Morgan said. “Without another partner, we unfortunately cannot do a fireworks show ourselves.”
Morgan said she and fair officials hope the community has a safe and enjoyable 4th of July.
“Our doors are always open should the city decide to come back,” Morgan said. “You never know what next year may hold.”
Fireworks, parades and clowns
For nearly 65 years, the city or nonprofit organization would host the annual July 4th fireworks show and celebration at the fairgrounds on 7th Street in Victorville.
Thousands of residents from across the High Desert would watch the fireworks show from the fairground’s grandstand or parking lot.
Others would camp along 7th Street or nearby neighborhoods to enjoy music, food and fellowship as they waited for the nearly 30-minute aerial display of colors, the Daily Press reported.
In the ’60s, the fairgrounds would open early for a day of games, food, contests, prizes and gymkhana before the evening fireworks show that would last up to an hour.
There would also be an early morning July 4th parade on 7th street with floats, clowns, marching groups and more.
Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Victorville’s popular July 4th fireworks show departs fairgrounds
Reporting by Rene Ray De La Cruz, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Rene Ray De La Cruz, Victorville Daily Press | USA TODAY Network
