CANDLES, COMETS, CARNATIONS : A Field Guide to Fireworks for This Fourth of July
Everything has a name, right?
But when it comes to describing the average fireworks show, most of us are reduced to an occasional stupefied ooh or aah. Attempts to describe a specific effect usually come out something like this: “That big round blue one with the gold swirly things that made one huge boom and a bunch of little pops.”
A little education--in the form of our fireworks field guide--can remedy such inarticulateness. A few well-placed words, such as peony or hummingbird or dazzling red ruby, combined with a knowing nod of the head, will amaze your friends and make you the hit of your Independence Day party. Really.
First, a bit of fireworks lore, courtesy of the New York-based Grucci family (the self-proclaimed “first family of fireworks”). Gunpowder, as the story goes, was invented in China, although some contend India is the real birthplace. The first firecrackers appeared about 2,000 years ago, and by the time the United States declared its independence from Great Britain 215 years ago, fireworks were a popular way to celebrate important events.
These days, large-scale fireworks shows are high-tech, tightly choreographed affairs, with a series of mortars fired by pre-programmed electrical impulses. Black gunpowder remains the main ingredient in fireworks, both to propel the shell and as the bursting charge within the shell.
The seven basic colors are achieved with the addition of other chemicals. Blue, the most difficult color to master, is produced by copper salts in the presence of a volatile chlorine donor. White is produced by magnesium or aluminum; yellow, by sodium salts; red, by strontium nitrate or carbonate; green, by barium nitrate or chlorate; gold, by steel and charcoals; orange, by mixing charcoal and other forms of carbon.
Shells range from one to 12 inches in diameter. The propellant charge on one end of the shell ejects it from the mortar; on the other end of the shell is a timed fuse that burns until the firework reaches the top of its trajectory. The bursting charge ignites, the canister breaks and small cubes called “stars” (containing a mixture of oxidizers and fuels) are lit. These stars create the brilliant display.
Different families of effects are associated with different parts of the world. The most familiar are the flower effects from the Orient, such as chrysanthemums and peonies. The spherical shells produce one symmetrical burst of full, round color that radiates evenly, sometimes taking up the whole sky. (Most “American” effects use cylindrical shells.)
Dazzling red rubies, shells from which hundreds of twinkling “rubies” and “diamonds” emerge, come from Canada. England is known for hummingbirds, bright streaks that emit a high whistling sound. Elaborate grand finale shells with colorful and noisy multiple breaks (individual explosions) originated in Italy. Today, some effects have up to five breaks.
American pyrotechnicians have become known for special effects with names that are largely self-explanatory: serpents, whistles, ring shells, comets, patriotic color shells. Fountains and Roman candles should be recognizable to anyone familiar with their smaller cousins.
Large-scale fireworks are an increasingly complex art. Personal fireworks, meanwhile, continue to go the way of the dinosaur and the rotary phone. So-called “safe and sane” fireworks have been banned in all but four Orange County cities, with fireworks stands, once an officially sanctioned harbinger of summer, now found in only Buena Park, Costa Mesa, Garden Grove and Santa Ana.
And not even in these cities will you find that most innocent-seeming of fireworks, the sparkler, which came under a statewide ban this year. A state fire marshal’s report said that while sparklers are viewed by parents and the public as among the safest of the legal fireworks, they account for 30% of all reported fireworks injuries, with nearly half of those to children under age 7.
While the outlook for personal fireworks continues to fizzle, public fireworks shows are increasingly taking up the slack. Last year, 21 public displays were held in Orange County; this year, the number is up to 31.
Many are small community shows, but there are some bigger events that draw thousands of revelers. Many also combine the pyrotechnics with other attractions, such as music and games.
Anaheim Stadium may draw the biggest local crowd for a combination of two favorite American pastimes, baseball and fireworks. The Angels are in town this Independence Day and will play the Kansas City Royals at 6 p.m., with a big pyrotechnics display to follow the game.
The five-day Orange County Fiesta at Fountain Valley’s Mile Square Park claims the county’s biggest fireworks show on the Fourth. Fiesta-goers can also take in live ‘50s music, carnival rides and midway games; there is an admission charge, but most of the park will be open free to folks who just want to see the fireworks.
Classical music fans can head to Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre, where Mark Gould will conduct the Pacific Symphony and appear as trumpet soloist (see story, Page 3) in a program by American composers, followed by a fireworks display.
Finally, the beach remains a great place to see a show, with fireworks due to be launched from the end of the San Clemente Pier, from a barge in Dana Point Harbor, from off Laguna’s Main Beach and from over Newport Dunes, on the edge of Newport Harbor.
WHERE TO SEE FIREWORKS ALISO VIEJO
What: Fireworks, entertainment, games and rides.
When: 8 p.m. entertainment, 9 p.m. fireworks.
Where: Sheep Hills Park, Moulton Parkway and Laguna Hills Drive.
Wherewithal: Free.
Where to call: (714) 837-6050.
ANAHEIM
What: California Angels vs. Kansas City Royals, fireworks.
When: Game begins at 6 p.m.; fireworks follow.
Where: Anaheim Stadium, 2000 State College Blvd.
Wherewithal: $4 to $11.
Where to call: (714) 634-2000.
What: Disneyland’s expanded fireworks show, rides, shows, attractions.
When: Park is open 8 a.m. to 2 a.m.; 9:30 p.m. fireworks.
Where: Disneyland, 1313 Harbor Blvd.
Wherewithal: $22.50 to $27.50.
Where to call: (714) 999-4445.
What: Parade, fireworks.
When: Parade at 4 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m.
Where: Peralta Canyon Park, Pinney and Gerda drives.
Wherewithal: Free.
BREA
What: Fireworks.
When: 9 p.m. Gates open at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Brea-Olinda High School, 789 N. Wildcat Way.
Wherewithal: $8 general admission.
Where to call: (714) 990-7722.
BUENA PARK
What: Knott’s Berry Farm’s fireworks, rides, entertainment.
When: Park open 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., 9:30 p.m. fireworks.
Where: Knott’s Berry Farm, 8039 Beach Blvd.
Wherewithal: $9.95 to $21.95.
Where to call: (714) 220-5200.
What: Entertainment, fireworks.
When: Pre-show at 6:30 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m.
Where: Bellis Park, 7171 8th St.
Wherewithal: Free.
Where to call: (714) 821-1010.
COSTA MESA
What: Entertainment, fireworks.
When: Entertainment at 7:45 p.m. followed by fireworks. Gates open at 7 p.m.
Where: Orange Coast College Stadium, 2701 Fairview Road.
Wherewithal: $3 general admission, children under 12 and accompanied by adult are free.
DANA POINT
What: Entertainment, games, fireworks.
When: Music and games at 4 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m.
Where: Events at Heritage Park, southern end of Street of the Shore Lantern. Fireworks, launched from barge in harbor, visible throughout harbor area.
Wherewithal: Free.
FOUNTAIN VALLEY
What: 9th Annual Fountain Valley Fiesta, featuring entertainment, carnival rides and games, food booths, fireworks.
When: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; fireworks at 9 p.m. Fiesta continues through July 7.
Where: Mile Square Park, 16801 Euclid St.
Wherewithal: $4 general admission, $1 for seniors and children 6 to 12. Fireworks may be seen from other areas of park without admission fee).
Where to call: (714) 962-4441.
FULLERTON
What: Food and game booths, entertainment, children’s attractions, fireworks.
When: Festival at 4 p.m., fireworks at 9:20 p.m.
Where: Fullerton High School stadium, 201 E. Chapman Ave.
Wherewithal: Free.
Where to call: (714) 738-6575.
HUNTINGTON BEACH
What: Entertainment, fireworks.
When: Pre-show at 7 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m.
Where: Huntington Beach High School, 1905 Main St.
Wherewithal: $5 general admission.
Where to call: (714) 631-8700.
IRVINE
What: Pacific Symphony concert, fireworks.
When: 8 p.m. concert, followed by fireworks. Grounds open at 6 p.m. for picnicking.
Where: Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre, 8800 Irvine Center Drive.
Wherewithal: $10-$39.50.
Where to call: (714) 740-2000.
What: Games, entertainment, fireworks.
When: Games and activities at 3 p.m., concert at 7:30 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m.
Where: Irvine High School, 4601 Walnut Ave.
Wherewithal: $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and children under 12.
Where to call: (714) 786-7741.
What: Fireworks.
When: 9 p.m.
Where: Woodbridge Village Center, Alton Parkway and Lake Road.
Wherewithal: Free.
LAGUNA BEACH
What: Fireworks.
When: 8:40 p.m.
Where: Main Beach, Coast Highway and Broadway.
Wherewithal: Free.
LAGUNA NIGUEL
What: Fireworks.
When: 9 p.m.
Where: Near the lake in Laguna Niguel Regional Park, 28241 La Paz Road.
Wherewithal: Free.
LAKE FOREST
What: Fireworks.
When: 9 p.m.
Where: Shoreline of Lake Forest, with viewpoints including Islamare Lane, Overlake Drive and Bywater Road.
Wherewithal: Free.
LOS ALAMITOS
What: Food, entertainment, military display, fireworks.
When: Entertainment at 7 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m.
Where: Los Alamitos Armed Forces Reserve Center, Lexington Drive and Katella Avenue.
Wherewithal: Free.
Where to call: (714) 229-6780.
MISSION VIEJO
What: Street fair, fireworks.
When: Street fair at noon, fireworks at 9 p.m.
Where: Mission Viejo Youth Athletic Park, Olympiad and Melinda roads.
Wherewithal: Free.
NEWPORT BEACH
What: Activities, barbecue, fireworks.
When: Park opens at 8 a.m., fireworks at 9 p.m.
Where: Newport Dunes Aquatic Park, Jamboree Road and East Coast Highway.
Wherewithal: Park entrance is $10 per car.
Fireworks visible from many points in city.
Where to call: (714) 729-1125.
ORANGE
What: Music, fireworks.
When: 8 p.m.
Where: Fred Kelly Stadium at El Modena High School, 3000 E. Chapman Ave.
Wherewithal: $10. Children under 3 free.
Where to call: (714) 744-7276.
ORANGE PARK ACRES
What: Games, entertainment, fireworks.
When: Activities at 2:30 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m.
Where: Salem Park, Orange Park Boulevard and Santiago Canyon Road.
Wherewithal: $4. Children under 3 free.
PLACENTIA
What: Games and activities, fireworks.
When: Games begin at 4 p.m., fireworks at 8:45 p.m.
Where: Bradford Stadium at Valencia High School, 500 N. Bradford Ave.
Wherewithal: $4 general, $3 for ages 13 to 17, $2 for 12 and under.
Where to call: (714) 993-8232.
RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA
What: Fireworks.
When: 9 p.m.
Where: Rancho Santa Margarita Lake, Alma Aldea and Santa Margarita Parkway. Fireworks visible from most areas of community.
Wherewithal: Free.
SAN CLEMENTE
What: Fireworks.
When: 9 p.m.
Where: San Clemente Pier, Avenida del Mar. Fireworks visible from beach around pier.
Wherewithal: Free.
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
What: Softball, entertainment, fireworks.
When: Softball at 4:30 p.m., entertainment at 5 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m.
Where: Marco F. Forster Jr. High School, 25601 Camino del Avion.
Wherewithal: Free.
SANTA ANA
What: Concert, fireworks.
When: Concert at 4 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m. (gates open at 3:30 p.m.)
Where: Santa Ana Municipal Stadium, 6th and Flower streets.
Wherewithal: $6 general, $4 for seniors and ages 6 to 12, free for 5 and under.
Where to call: (714) 647-6561.
TUSTIN
What: Entertainment, fireworks.
When: Performances at 6:30 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m.
Where: Tustin High School, 1171 El Camino Real.
Wherewithal: Free.
WESTMINSTER
What: Music, fireworks.
When: Entertainment at 7 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m. Gates open at 6 p.m.
Where: Westminster High School, 14325 Golden West St.
Wherewithal: Free.
YORBA LINDA
What: Games, fireworks.
When: Activities at 4 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m.
Where: Valley View Sports Park (behind Yorba Linda Middle School), Elmhurst Circle and Casa Loma Avenue.
Wherewithal: Free.