OB’s July 4 fireworks display always a blast for celebrants

The Fourth of July is going to be a blast — literally — with numerous pyrotechnic displays up and down the San Diego coast, including Ocean Beach’s 35th annual fireworks extravaganza.
“There’s always an exciting finale,” promised Denny Knox, executive director of the Ocean Beach MainStreet Association (OBMA), the community’s Business Improvement District, about OB’s always-dazzling display.
Fireworks launched from the Ocean Beach Pier at the end of Newport Avenue will begin at 9 p.m., capping a day of picnicking, swimming and frolicking in the sand and surf for thousands of Independence Day visitors along Newport Avenue.
“The fireworks will last about 17 or 18 minutes,” said Knox, adding it’s hoped pre-event publicity will also extinguish any “fireworks” associated with this year’s annual post-display marshmallow war on Newport Avenue.
There will be no shortage of other fireworks shows and celebrations nearby in 2014. • Annual Big Bay Boom July 4 Fireworks Show at multiple Locations along San Diego Bay at 9 p.m.
The largest display in the county, with fireworks launched from four barges strategically placed around North San Diego Bay. They can be seen from Shelter Island, Harbor Island, the Embarcadero area and Seaport Village/Coronado Landing. Music from 105.7 “The Walrus” FM radio will accompany the show.
• Sea to Shining Sea 4th of July Fireworks, SeaWorld San Diego, 500 SeaWorld Drive at 10:10 p.m.
• Old Town 4th of July Celebration at Old Town State Historic Park from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Parade, crafts and activities of early San Diego re-create an old-fashioned Independence Day celebrated on the frontier. There are no fireworks.
• San Diego County Fair 4th of July Celebration at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard in Del Mar. The Fair opens at 9:30 a.m., fireworks start at 9 p.m.
Start off the day at the Fair with a patriotic opening ceremony at 9:30 a.m., then enjoy the Hometown Heroes Parade at 7 p.m. A concert provided by the Navy Band Southwest is followed by a spectacular fireworks display.