Locals must hit road for fireworks

Tom Ferrall

Staff Writer

The Fourth of July is a holiday celebrated with backyard barbecues and fireworks, however, since "safe and sane" fireworks are illegal throughout San Diego County, the only way to see brilliant pyrotechnics is to attend a professional show.

Fallbrookians, for the second consecutive year, will have to travel to attend a public fireworks display. The town was left without a professional show when the Grand Tradition, which hosted Fourth of July celebrations from 2004-2016, decided in 2017 it would no longer present a fireworks show due to safety concerns for nearby housing.

The Grand Tradition's Fourth of July event served as a benefit for the Fallbrook Beautification Alliance, a non-profit volunteer organization that works with community partners to enhance Fallbrook's visual appeal. Last year, in the absence of the fireworks show, the Grand Tradition helped the FBA through ticket sales for its three Jazz & Wine Festivals.

The Grand Tradition isn't presenting Jazz & Wine Festivals this summer, so the FBA is partnering with Major Market on a fundraiser. During July, people making purchases at Major Market will have an option at the register to make a donation to FBA. Donations will go toward wiping out graffiti and cleaning up streets and parks.

No group or organization has stepped to the plate to take over the task of putting on a fireworks show in Fallbrook, so locals must visit nearby towns to get their firework fix. Following is a list of Fourth of July celebration options.

Saturday, June 30

City of Menifee Independence Celebration

Location: Wheatfield Park, 30627 Menifee Rd.

Time: 4 to 9 p.m.

Celebration includes live entertainment featuring local acts, an expanded kids fun zone, beer garden, and food and craft vendors.

Fireworks: 9 p.m.

Tuesday, July 3

Oceanside Fireworks Show

Location: Oceanside Blvd and Rancho del Oro Road,

Time: 6 to 10 p.m.

Spectators are encouraged to arrive anytime after 6 p.m. and park in the nearby business park, bring a beach chair, and walk to the viewing area on Rancho Del Oro Road. The celebration will include live music and food trucks offering a wide variety of options.

Fireworks: 9 p.m.

Wednesday, July 4

Vista Independence Day Celebration

Location: Brengle Terrace Park/Moonlight Amphitheatre, 1200 Vale Terrace Dr.

Time: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Celebrate the 4th of July in Vista at the Moonlight Amphitheatre with live entertainment, a military heroes salute and fireworks.

Fireworks: 9 p.m.

Temecula 4th of July Family Fun & Fireworks

Location: Ronald Reagan Sports Park, 30875 Rancho Vista Rd,

Time: Park opens at 8 a.m., festivities begin at 2 p.m.

Celebration includes live entertainment on the main stage, kids fun zone, and food vendors. The fireworks show will be paired with music broadcast on KATY (101.3 FM).

Fireworks: 9 p.m.

Escondido Independence Day Festival & Fireworks

Location: California Center for the Arts, 340 N. Escondido Blvd.

Time: 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The 55th annual Independence Day Festival & Fireworks celebration features live musical entertainment, food vendors, and an abundance of children's activities and games.

Fireworks: 9 p.m.

San Marcos 4th of July Celebration

Location: Bradley Park, 1587 Linda Vista Drive

Time: 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The celebration includes carnival games, live music, food vendors and fireworks.

Fireworks: 9 p.m.

Lake Elsinore Fireworks Show

Locations: Fireworks will be launched over the lake (from the T-Peninsula) and the city will provide free viewing areas in Lakepoint Park, Summerly Park, Whiskers Fishing Beach, and Swich & Matich Park. The fireworks show will be paired with music broadcast on KOLA (99.9 FM).

Fireworks: 9 p.m.