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Showing posts with label July 4. Show all posts
Showing posts with label July 4. Show all posts

Sunday, July 6, 2014

The Best Way to See Fireworks in Los Angeles

Fireworks

There must have been quite a great batch of illegal fireworks making it to our shores this year. Our annual July 4 tradition is visit friends in East Hollywood who have a great, elevated view of the Hollywood basin via their balcony. Some years, the area disappoints. This year, the fireworks being shot from all parts of the region (and not just the professional ones at the Hollywood Bowl) were top-notch. It's the best crowd-free way to experience the Independence Day fireworks. Hope no one lost a finger.

Fireworks

Monday, July 5, 2010

Taking in the Fireworks in La Crescenta


The crowd at La Crescenta Elementary

I must admit, it's a little weird to see fireworks being lit in the Foothills -- so close to the devastated Angeles National Forest.

But with no major fires since that horrible Station Fire, it appears that folks felt a little more confident in bringing back the tradition this year.

The crowds came out to see the fireworks Sunday night at La Crescenta Elementary School -- so much that every inch of the school's playground was covered by blankets and lawn chairs. I came with Blogger Kid (Maria and Blogger Baby remained at home), so it was easy for the two of us to still find a sliver of lawn to sit.

Sponsored by the non-profit Crescenta Valley Fireworks Association, the event also included carnival rides, food and games. Admission $5 per person for anyone over 2.

Since we were just attending the fireworks, I thought the price was steep. But I also wanted to see the fireworks up close, so we went ahead and plopped down the $10. The fireworks are run by a non-profit organization, not the city of Glendale, so at least we were supporting the show.

And it was a good show. The fireworks were strong, even though the music blaring from the loud speakers, was, well, terrible. (It didn't match up with the fireworks, which is fine, but the selection of cheesy country patriotic songs was, let's face it, rather cheesy.) Not a bad choice for the fireworks, given the atmosphere and nearby free street parking. But we're open to other suggestions for next year.


Waiting for the fireworks to start

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Happy Independence Day!



Here's how you might have celebrated July 4th several decades ago -- at Taix, which still exists in Echo Park.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Where to Catch the Fireworks This Weekend



Still looking for the best spot to catch the rockets' red glare over the weekend? Here's a complete list of fireworks displays in L.A. County in the coming days..

Meanwhile, the Rundown posts its picks for best fireworks options in the region:

Hollywood: Hollywood Bowl
Vince Gill presents the LA Philharmonic Orchestra
Fri-Sun 7:30p; fireworks to follow. Hollywood Bowl (323-850-2000). Tickets $21 and up here.

Redondo Beach: Red, White, and Blue Lagoon
Come early to snag seats for the best view next to the lagoon.
Sun 2-10:30p, fireworks at 9p. 200 Portofino Way. $22 and up for lagoon seating.

Echo Park: Dodger Stadium
Monday's Dodgers-Marlins game for post-game pyrotechnics.
Field seats: There's no bad seat in the house since you'll be seeing the show from the grass.
Mon 6:10p. Dodger Stadium. (323-224-1500). $12 and up here.

San Fernando: San Fernando Recreation Park
A family-friendly show (no smoking, no drinking), with mariachi masters and a pyromusical blowout in English and Spanish.
Classic cars on display all day, with a trophy ceremony at 2p.
10a-11p; fireworks at 9p. 208 Park Ave. (818-898-1290). Free.

Anaheim: Disneyland
Sun 8a-midnight; fireworks at 9:30p. Disneyland (714-781-4565). $72 and up here.

Lancaster: Antelope Valley Fairgrounds
For the best seats for the rodeo and the fireworks, grab a spot in the grandstand when the seats open at 8p.
Bull riding, tractor races, and other rural events.
Sun 4p; fireworks at 9p. Antelope Valley Fairgrounds, 2551 West Ave. H, Lancaster (661-948-6060). Fireworks are free, rodeo is $20 and up.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

FREE L.A.: July 4th Weekend



:: The 15th Annual 4th of July Celebration at Hansen Dam includes fireworks, free musical entertainment, vendors, food, swimming in the lake, and more.

Event takes place 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., with the fireworks at 9. Event is free, but parking is $10.

Hansen Dam Park
11770 Foothill Blvd
Lake View Terrace, CA 91342


:: If you've got a Bank of America card, their monthly Museums on Us promotion includes free entry to LACMA, the Autry, or Long Beach's Museum of Latin American Art.

ALSO:

The Los Angeles Times has a full list of fireworks shows in Southen California here.

and

Citysearch has put together a full list of 4th of July weekend events here.