The fireworks event boom

Ryan Carter

Fire officials, volunteers and organizers are gearing up for the one

day of the year when patriotism is displayed in the sky.

Two major events will be the cornerstones of this year’s Fourth of

July ceremonies in Burbank and Glendale.

In Burbank, the Starlight Bowl’s “Star Spangled Salute to the

Fourth of July” will begin at 6:30 p.m. with fireworks at 9 p.m. at

the bowl, 1249 Lockheed View Drive. In Glendale, the festivities

begin at 4 p.m. at Crescenta Valley High School, 4400 Ramsdell Ave.,

with the fireworks starting shortly after 9 p.m.

The Burbank event will include the Bill Elliot Swing Orchestra,

the Alley Cats and the Jokesters leading up to the fireworks display.

Fire officials hope the events serve as a safe way for people to

celebrate the holiday. In Burbank, officials clear brush near the

Starlight Bowl before the event.

“Two additional engine companies are on duty that evening so that

we can deal with whatever goes on up there and still have the city

covered,” Burbank Fire Marshal Dave Starr said.

Starr also said that though recent days have been marked by

overcast weather, it does not mean July 4 will not be drier and

warmer. The dryness and illegal fireworks don’t go together, he said,

adding that fireworks other than the special event’s are illegal in

Burbank and Glendale.

“Even what are labeled ‘Safe and Sane’ [consumer fireworks] have

proven to be very dangerous for children,” Starr said.

“For one thing, it brings the community together,” said Jean

Maluccio, executive director of the Crescenta Valley Chamber of

Commerce, which is one of the event’s sponsors. “And it raises funds

to give back to the community.”

One dollar from the $8 tickets sold before July 4 will be given to

the buyer’s school of choice in the area, Maluccio said. Past

proceeds have gone toward purchasing equipment at the high school,

such as bleachers.

Other event sponsors include the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s

Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department, California Highway

Patrol and Crescenta Valley Arson Watch.