Nature May Add More Flash to Fireworks Shows

Nature could produce its own fireworks this weekend as forecasters predict a possibility of thunderstorms lighting up the skies during the Fourth of July weekend.

“If you’re outside, keep an eye on the sky,” National Weather Service meteorologist Bruce Entwistle said Friday. “The odds are you won’t see them, but it’s a real tough call right now. It’s not enough to cancel any activities or anything like that, just something to be aware of.”

Weekend temperatures will cool from earlier this week to the mid-70s near the beaches and upper 80s inland, forecasters said. Moderate smog levels are expected in most areas of the county, with air quality nearing unhealthful levels in Simi Valley.

Regardless of weather patterns, however, hundreds of holiday fun seekers are expected to pack Ventura County’s beaches and campgrounds this weekend, as residents and visitors alike gear up for Fourth of July celebrations.

Fillmore, Santa Paula, Ojai, Oxnard, Ventura, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley are all hosting fireworks shows this year. Pyrotechnic wizards launching the programs said weather won’t dampen their spirits--or their sky rockets.

“Rain, snow, sleet and hail--we can shoot the fireworks,” said Jean Starr of Pyro Spectacular, which is producing seven of the eight fireworks shows scheduled for Monday evening.

Although snow and hail are not in the weekend forecast, morning and evening fog along the coast could hinder visibility of the fireworks show in Ventura, Starr said.

The colorful rockets used in the shows explode at 200 feet and 600 feet, Starr said. If heavy fog moves over Ventura College on Monday night, the show’s producers could decide to only shoot off the low-level fireworks.

Ventura hasn’t presented a fireworks display in two years since abandoning its annual show at the Ventura Pier. This year the Downtown Rotary Club and the college have co-sponsored the event.

Complimentary tickets have been given to residents living in the area surrounding the college for their cooperation with the event, which is expected to draw nearly 10,000 people. Residents who have not received their tickets can call the Rotary Club at 985-2133.

Elsewhere in Ventura County, campsites are booked solid for the three-day holiday, though various day camp areas are still open for Fourth of July barbecues and picnics.

“It looks like it’s going to be a beautiful weekend, a good time for the beach,” said Wes Chapin, a spokesman for the state Parks and Recreation Department.

“The state beaches right now are full from Carpinteria to Refugio and McGrath, and Oxnard areas are also full,” Chapin said. Nearly all of the 455 campsites at Lake Casistas Recreation Area are booked as well, park officials said.

In addition to the traditional fireworks shows that will light up the skies Monday night, a number of Fourth of July events are occurring throughout the day in every corner of the county.

In Ventura, the Children’s Pushem-Pullem Parade begins at 10:30 a.m. followed by the city’s 19th annual Fourth of July Street Fair from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The city closes Main Street to traffic so hundreds of vendors can set up arts and crafts booths.

In Thousand Oaks, the Conejo Recreation and Park District’s daylong series of activities will begin with a 7 a.m. nature walk and 8 a.m. breakfast at Conejo Community Park. Or for a true slice of Americana, try 11-year-old Blair Anderson’s Oak Park back yard. For eight years Blair and her friends have held a Fourth of July talent show and donated the $1 admission to charity.

“Americans are very generous people and helpful to others, so this is a great way to celebrate the Fourth of July,” said Blair’s mother, Adrienne Anderson. “The kids really feel patriotic.”