There was a moment when Tracy Dahlkamp doubted that she could pull off bringing back the Lake Murray Fireworks and MusicFest. She wasn\u2019t sure that people cared enough to bring back the annual July 4 event.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen we started this project, I was concerned because I wasn\u2019t sure that the community wanted it and my husband said to me, \u2018You know what, if people give you money, that will tell you they want it,\u2019\u201d she said. \u201cAnd we got a lot of money. We got a lot of support.\u201d<\/p>\n Dalhkamp and the other volunteers who took it upon themselves to revive the annual event at the Lake Murray playground found both the money and the community support they needed to put on the fireworks and music festival \u2014\u00a0around $76,000 \u2014 much of it coming in during the last few months of fundraising.<\/p>\n \u201cWe really hit the ground hard in April and it really paid off,\u201d she said, adding that the group even raised some beyond the needs of this year\u2019s event.<\/p>\n \u201c[The surplus money] will roll over for next year,\u201d she said. \u201cIn order to get the event started, it\u2019s about $2,500 to get the first permit. So [now] there are fees to get the next year\u2019s event up and running.\u201d<\/p>\n Although enough money has been secured to produce the festival the organizers wanted, Dahlkamp said they are still looking for the community\u2019s help.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are looking for volunteers,\u201d she said. \u201cA handful of day-of [volunteers] but mostly looking for 50 to 60 volunteers to help with cleanup on July 5, to not only help cleanup the park, but also help cleanup the surrounding streets.\u201d<\/p>\n Interested people should contact lagomurrayfireworks@gmail.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n The push for volunteers to help clean up the surrounding neighborhoods after the event is part of an overall message the festival organizers want to convey to the public about being aware of noise, trash, traffic and parking in the surrounding area.<\/p>\n \u201cWe really want to drive home how important it is to be respectful of the neighbors,\u201d Dahlkamp said. \u201cThe message we want to bring to the community at this point is that we\u2019re excited to bring [the festival] back and we need your help in creating this tradition by being respectful and understanding that these are people\u2019s homes.\u201d Parking, seating and rules<\/strong><\/p>\n Like all large events that draw people from all over, parking will be limited and traffic will increase. There will be traffic and parking control on both the La Mesa and Lake Murray Community Park sides of the lake.<\/p>\n \u201c[La Mesa police] anticipate the La Mesa side to be full by noon,\u201d Dahlkamp said, adding that there will be parking along the baseball fields but some of it will be closed off. Some areas behind the park will also be closed off for loading and unloading. Handicapped parking will be available near the park.<\/p>\n Alternatives to driving, like walking or biking, are preferred whenever possible.<\/p>\n \u201cI would really encourage Uber. I think that\u2019s a great idea,\u201d Dahlkamp said.<\/p>\n In the festival area, there will be designated locations for people to set up canopies or tents without stakes.<\/p>\n \u201cIf that is something people are interested in, I would encourage them to come early, because we are going to be blocking off the center of the park itself to be open,\u201d she said, adding that the area close to the stage will be for blankets and low-back chairs only.<\/p>\n As per the rules of the Lake Murray Community Park, there will be no bottles allowed and all dogs must be leashed.<\/p>\n Dog owners should be aware how their pets react to fireworks and are encouraged to visit the Humane Society\u2019s information sheet on fireworks at bit.ly\/1RDYlYV<\/a>.<\/p>\n There will also be an information booth onsite, which will serve as a lost and found and first-aid station.<\/p>\n![\"Fireworks](\"https:\/\/missiontimescourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/web-MAIN-by-Bret-Alan.jpg\")
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