San Diego’s skies will light up in a sparkling spectacle this Independence Day for an annual tradition as American as apple pie and baseball. It’s time to gather up the loved ones, don the red, white and blue, and celebrate at any number of the city’s dazzling fireworks shows this Fourth of July.
AROUND LA JOLLA
• The Fourth of July fireworks show at Ensenada de La Jolla is a place where local friends, families and neighbors have come together to salute America for nearly 30 years. “The fireworks display is a part of our community,” said Deborah Marengo, director of the La Jolla Community Fireworks Foundation. “Besides being an extremely important patriotic event, the Fourth of July brings many people together to celebrate in Scripps Park, La Jolla Shores, many homes that view the fireworks, and visitors to our community.” The brilliant 16-minute pyrotechnics display will begin at 9 p.m. and can be viewed from just about anywhere around La Jolla Cove and La Jolla Shores, including Scripps Park and Kellogg Park. The annual show takes place only through the efforts of the community, said Marengo. “Fundraising is in full swing, and we need community members to donate,” she said. “I appreciate the community support and hope that everyone would consider making a donation of any size. Every dollar makes a difference.” For more information or to donate to the show, visit www.savelajollafireworks.com. Donations will be accepted until July 4.
• La Jolla Country Club: fireworks visible from Mount Soledad, approximately 8:20 p.m.
• University City: July 4, Standley Park, all-day festivities (no fireworks) to include a 5K run, pancake breakfast, live entertainment, food and games.
ELSEWHERE
For an always-surprising and impressive fireworks display synced to the tunes of KyXy 96.5’s hits, Ocean Beach will witness a blazing exhibition of colorful lights shot off from the OB Pier. In celebration of Ocean Beach’s 125th anniversary, organizers assure that the display will feature something extra special this year. “It’s a surprise!” teased Denny Knox, executive director of the Ocean Beach MainStreet Association (OBMA). “We never let anyone know what’s coming. Mike Akey [past OBMA president] negotiated with the fireworks company to bring us something special this year.” Knox suggests that visitors park inland — away from the beach — and walk toward the coast to guarantee the easiest exit after the show. For those who stick around, Ocean Beach’s famed marshmallow fight will ensue just after the final spark has burned out. “Originally, it was a small marshmallow fight on the sand between some locals,” said Knox. “We are hoping people will go back to only throwing marshmallows on the sand and not on the street after the fireworks. On the street, the marshmallows are almost impossible to clean up and costs us a fortune to clean the street numerous times.” She also urged those who participate in the marshmallow throwing to join other community-minded residents early the next morning to clean up the aftermath. “Morning After Mess” cleanups, hosted by Surfrider, will take place throughout the coastal communities on July 5 from 9 to 11 a.m. Locations include the Ocean Beach Pier, Belmont Park, the end of Pacific Beach Drive and the South Harbor Jetty in Oceanside. Visit www.surfridersd.org or call (858) 792-9940 for more details.
• mundo marino san diego will host an “Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular” — an extended display set to patriotic music — at 9:30 p.m. on July 4.
• In an unfortunate development for the Mission Bay area, the Mission Bay Yacht Club’s 20-plus-year tradition of pyrotechnics displays from the club’s docks has been shelved for lack of funding. Organizers cited increasing costs of environmental permits for fireworks shows, along with decreasing community support. The displays are estimated to cost the yacht club $26,000 annually, including an extra $2,000 paid for mandatory water-quality testing. The yacht club’s decision leaves SeaWorld’s display as the primary July 4 pyrotechnics show on Mission Bay.
• San Diego Bay: “Big Bay Boom 2012,” 9 p.m.
OTHER JULY 4-RELATED ACTIVITIES
• Embarcadero: San Diego Symphony presents “Star Spangled Pops” with Marvin Hamlisch on Friday, June 29; Saturday, June 30 and Sunday, July 1 (all shows at 7:30 p.m.) Hamlisch will lead the symphony in a rousing Independence Day salute that will feature John Philip Sousa marches, “American Idol” stars, a tribute to the military and a spectacular fireworks display to light up the sky near the Embarcadero Marina Park South. $18 to $76. For more information, visit www.sandiegosym-phony.org.
• Old Town San Diego: July 4, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Parade, crafts and activities linked to San Diego’s history, a pie-eating contest and wagon rides.
— Kevin McKay contributed to this story