FOUNTAIN VALLEY : Fireworks Expected to Lure Crowds

Thousands of people and heavy traffic are expected near Mile Square Regional Park for the annual Fourth of July fireworks spectacular.

“The only problem we have is with the traffic and it usually focuses on the Fourth of July around the fireworks display time,” said police Sgt. Dann Bean.

Larry Crandall, co-chair of the 12th annual Fourth of July Fiesta, which opens today at 5 p.m. at the park, said that it will be the biggest fireworks show in Orange County. He said that 10-inch shells will be exploded for the grand finale and will spread 300 yards across the sky. The fireworks show is scheduled to start at 9:30 p.m.

The fiesta, sponsored by the Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce, continues through Independence Day. The event features 23 carnival rides and 50 vendors, including chiropractor services, palm reading and pizzas.

Crandall said that this year, admission will be one price: $5.95 a person. The price includes unlimited use of carnival rides and entertainment, such as country-Western music and an “oldie but goodie” band.

Crandall said about 40,000 people are expected to attend the four-day fiesta.

Because of the anticipated large crowds, residential streets near the park will be barricaded to restrict parking for residents only, Bean said.

Police will also patrol the fiesta on foot and private security will be provided by the promoter of the event.

Crandall said for the first time, the chamber hired the promotions firm of Hassett & Davis Entertainment Inc. of Long Beach to put on the event.

“They pitched their services to us and the chamber looked at it and felt it was a wise idea to do it,” he said.

In past years, the chamber called on more than 100 volunteers to help out. “It was draining on people,” Crandall said.

The fiesta will be open until midnight tonight. Hours Saturday, Sunday and Monday, are noon until midnight.

The fiesta will be held on the city-operated portion of the park off Brookhurst Street and Heil Avenue. Parking is available at the Fountain Valley Recreation and Cultural Center.