Igniting the sky with July 4 fireworks; MBYC cancels annual show

In one of the more impressive Fourth of July pyrotechnics displays in San Diego, SeaWorld 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. SeaWorld is not the only Independence Day pyrotechnics game in town, of course. America’s Finest City celebrates the Fourth of July in style with a number of spectacular fireworks shows from the Ocean Beach Pier to San Diego Bay to La Jolla Cove. • Ocean Beach Pier: 9 p.m.; lasts roughly 20 minutes • La Jolla Country Club: fireworks visible from Mount Soledad, approximately 8:20 p.m. • La Jolla Cove: 9 p.m. • 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.sandiegosymphony.org. • University City: July 4, Standley Park, all-day festivities (no fireworks) to include a 5K run, pancake breakfast, live entertainment, food and games. • 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.