July 4 plan reviewed by agencies

Polishing the final strategic plan for Fallbrook’s Grand Tradition 4, an event expected to draw an estimated 3,000 people, was the task addressed in a meeting held June 14 with area fire agencies.

“Our goal is to make this run smooth and provide for the safety of the public,” said Randy Meers of North County Fire Protection District (NCFPD).

Representing both the Grand Tradition and the Fallbrook Beautification Alliance, Don McDougal presided over the meeting and said the fireworks show was so popular with the community last year that the group has decided to keep it virtually identical this year.

“Basically, it will be the same thing as last year with a few improvements,” McDougal said. “Pyro Spectaculars will be putting on the show. It will be the same size and duration, but this year it will be synchronized to music!” Jerry Grainger of Pyro Spectaculars will be heading up the pyrotechnic production.

Chief Dan Goldberg, representing North County Fire Protection District, presented an Incident Action Plan for the event that will serve as the guideline to ensure public safety due to the live fireworks show and large numbers of civilian spectators. Fire support will not only be provided by North County Fire but also by DeLuz Fire Department and California Department of Forestry.

“A NCFPD Fire Prevention representative will be in attendance during all movement of pyrotechnics in accordance with established laws and ordinances,” Goldberg said. Fire personnel and members of the Sheriff’s Department Senior Volunteer Patrol will be posted at various locations in and around the event site to monitor safety.

Meers said the agency will have an ambulance assigned to the event and confirmed with McDougal that room will be dedicated inside the Grand Tradition in the event an emergency arises.

The event (gates) will open at 3:30 p.m. The water-propelled duck race takes place at 5:30 p.m. and the Surf City All Stars concert begins at 6 p.m. The Surf City All Stars will feature Dean Torrence of “Jan & Dean” fame and the band will perform famous hits by the duo as well as music of the Beach Boys. The fireworks show will begin between 8:45 and 9 p.m., following the go-ahead from North County Fire.

“If we can accomplish what we did last year, it will be wonderful,” said event chairperson Jerri Patchett. “It was outstanding last year.” The 2005 event raised $25,000 for the Beautification Alliance.

Part of the fun will include the rubber duck race, an event where little yellow rubber ducks will be propelled along a “racetrack” atop the Grand Tradition’s heart-shaped lake, powered by pipes, nozzles and hoses that will shoot water. For every $5 donation to the Fallbrook Beautification Alliance, one yellow duck will have a number attached corresponding to a number assigned to the purchaser. The winner numbers will be announced and posted at the event. A bevy of fabulous prizes will be offered.

Tickets

Ticket cost for the event is follows: adults $25; children ages 6 to 13 $8; children age 5 and under free. With ticket, each adult receives $10 worth of food and beverage vouchers and children get $5 worth of food and beverage vouchers. Vouchers can be redeemed for items such as pizza, hot dogs, barbecue beef dinner, fried chicken dinner, soft drinks, beer, wine, candy and popcorn. Additional food and beverage vouchers will be offered for sale. Tickets must be purchased in advance! Pick up ticket order form at Major Market or Grand Tradition. Fill out, send in or drop off at Grand Tradition. Ticket form can be accessed and printed out online at http://www.fallbrookbeautification.org. Mail in form with check or major credit card info (Visa, Master Card, Discover or American Express).

Parking

No direct access to the Grand Tradition will be offered. At 2:30 p.m., event-goers can follow signs asking them to turn on to Peppertree Lane to access all parking. There will be no charge to park in the dirt lot and a $5 charge to access parking in the Grand Tradition lots (while space lasts). Handicap, parking permits and vendor delivery personnel do not have to pay.

Your support is appreciated

Because the fireworks will be enjoyed by many individuals and families that will choose to celebrate the Fourth of July outside of the Grand Tradition grounds, organizers hope that donations will be sent in from those appreciating the show to help offset the costs. Donations may be sent to Fallbrook Beautification Alliance, PO Box 434, Fallbrook, CA 92088. All donations are tax-deductible and go toward making Fallbrook a cleaner, more beautiful community. The group still needs to raise an additional $17,000 to cover the cost of the show.

Animal safety

Because dogs, cats and horses are sometimes surprised by the sights and sounds of fireworks, organizers advise owners to secure their dogs and cats and provide a safe environment for their horses during the show.