Laguna Hills : City to Try Again With Fourth of July Event

Despite a low turnout at the city’s first Fourth of July celebration this year, the City Council has agreed to try again next year, this time with a fireworks show.

The council decided last week that it is willing to spend up to $15,000 on a 1995 Independence Day party at Laguna Hills High School.

“I want us to do the event absolutely right,” said Councilman Randal J. Bressette, who said $12,000 of the total sum won’t be too much to spend for a high quality fireworks display. “If people come for the fireworks and they don’t meet their expectations, there will be disgruntled people who won’t come back the next year.”

This year’s event included a small parade, a patriotic costume contest, a barbecue and carnival games.

It attracted about 300 people and cost the city $2,500 to put on, said Parks and Recreation Director Dave Lewis.

Councilwoman Melody Carruth said the city should start with a low-key fireworks display costing $10,000 or less the first time out, and then spend more money the following year if there is a good response.

“I don’t know if we can justify spending a lot of money,” Carruth said. “I don’t want us to overextend ourselves when we’re not sure of what kind of participation we would have in 1995.”

Council members said the city’s cost could be decreased if local service organizations come forward to help sponsor the celebration.

The nearest Fourth of July fireworks show is the Aliso Viejo Community Assn.’s display at Sheep Hills Park. Laguna Niguel, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Laguna Beach, San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente also have their own fireworks shows.