Those who are lucky enough to park at La Jolla Cove this Fourth of July should be prepared for their car alarms to sound at 9 p.m., when George’s at the Cove sets off its traditional blast of fireworks.
Finding a grassy spot may also be difficult, since 20,000 to 25,000 people are expected to crowd Scripps Park to enjoy the annual spectacle, which lasts for approximately 25 minutes.
“The (fireworks) are always extraordinary,” said George Hauer, owner of George’s restaurant. “We spend extra on big shells and we have more large shells this year.”
The popular ocean-view restaurant splits the bill fifty-fifty with the First Republican Bank. The tab reaches $20,000 with the expense of fireworks, lifeguards, security guards, licensing with the city and portable toilets.
In 1985, Hauer first had the idea for the show when speaking with a president of a bank in La Jolla, now deceased, who also shared his passion for fireworks.
Other fireworks shows around the beach area include:
“¢ Mission Bay Yacht Club, 8:45 p.m.(858) 488-0501
“¢ San Diego Bay, 9 p.m.(858) 751-5755
“¢ Ocean Beach Pier, 9:05 p.m.(619) 226-8613
“¢ SeaWorld, 9:30 p.m.(619) 226-391