This year, there has been growing concern regarding fireworks shows combined with dry conditions caused by the current drought, which is certainly understandable. However, there are also droves of families who look forward to enjoying fireworks shows throughout the Valley each year, and certainly there will be little ones this year anxiously awaiting the pop-pop-sparkle of lights in the sky come this weekend. The good news is there are a number of great community fireworks shows scheduled to take place this year, and one long-standing show is making a modification that will allow guests to still celebrate with lights and color while minimizing risk to the dry Sierra forest.
Here are the options I was able to find for your enjoyment: (Please leave any that I missed in the comments, thank you!)
July 2nd, 3rd and 4th
Wild Water Adventures will host its well-loved Star Spangled Review consisting of a patriotic display of fireworks, smoke and laser light show accompanied by music and beginning each evening at dusk for water park guests. For ticket information, click here.
July 3rd
*Festival of the American Spirit Fireworks Show – Kerman High School, Kerman, CA
Gate entrance will be on Middleton just off of First Avenue in Kerman (just 20 minutes West of Fresno). This hometown celebration of Independence Day begins at 6pm and includes food vendors, musical performances, Veteran recognition and of course, a grand fireworks show that begins at dusk. $5 for adults and $3 for children. Additional information (including how to save $1 per person on admission) available on the Kerman Chamber of Commerce website.
*This is a personal favorite that I’ve been attending since junior high school! They always put on a great show that goes on for at least half an hour if not more.
Independence Celebration – Kingburg High School Bowl, Kingsburg, CA
Also taking place the evening before the holiday, Kingsburg High School offers family fun, food, entertainment and a great fireworks show with the gates opening at 6pm. The event goes until 9 and prices are $5 for adults and $3 for children. The address for this event is 1900 8th Ave.
Selma Community Independence Day Celebration – Selma High School, Selma, CA
Gates open at 5:30pm to Selma High’s Staley Stadium and this event will feature live music, food, rides for children and of course, a dazzling fireworks show. $5 for adults, $3 for children 6-12, children under 6 are free and parking is $2.
Firebaugh Independence Day Celebration – Firebaugh Rodeo Grounds, Firebaugh, CA
This will be a brand new show debuting this year and hosted by the City of Firebaugh in partnership with the Firebaugh Police Department and offering food, games, music, arts and crafts and fireworks. Gates open at 4pm, there will be an opening ceremony at 6 and fireworks begin at 9. This event is FREE and takes place at the Firebaugh Rodeo Grounds.
Caruthers Fireworks Show – Caruthers High School, Caruthers, CA
This show is also free and fireworks begin at 9pm. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy concessions and meet the Caruthers Queen contestants. Show will be held at Anderson Field on the Caruthers High School campus.
July 3rd and 4th
The Island Waterpark will offer a fireworks show for all guests beginning at dusk on both Friday, July 3rd and Saturday, July 4th. The park opens for the day at 10:30am. For admission and ticket information, visit their website here.
July 4th
Clovis Freedom Fest – Clovis High School, Clovis, CA
This large-scale fireworks show is well-known for being spectacular and offers family fun and food beginning at 5pm. (Note: this is a new location this year) Tickets are $5 per person and Clovis High School is located on the corner of Fowler and Barstow Avenues in Clovis.
Fresno Grizzlies Fireworks Show
The Grizzlies always put on a great show following their game on the 4th of July. This year, fireworks will begin right after they Grizzlies win against the Tacoma Rainiers! (Yeah, I’m calling it – we’re gonna win!) For tickets and game info, visit the Grizzlies website here.
Fowler’s Fabulous 4th of July – Fowler High School Stadium, Fowler, CA
Gates open for this show at 6pm and all guests are encouraged to enjoy food, music, family fun and bounce houses for the kids. It is recommended you bring a blanket or lawn chairs to sit on during the fireworks show. Quick heads up, no outside food or drink will be allowed, so plan to purchase concessions or eat before you go.
Bass Lake Light up the Sky Laser Light Show – Over Bass Lake, Bass Lake, CA
The Bass Lake Chamber of Commerce has decided to modify its annual 4th of July fireworks show to create a safer Laser Light Show due to increased fire danger in the Sierras. This free event will take place Saturday, July 4th at 9:00 p.m.
As a responsible Fresno-loving and destructive-fire disliking person, I would like to respectfully encourage those who may be in highly flammable areas on the 4th of July to consider making the drive to one of the many wonderful community shows listed, forgoing the home fireworks as a safety precaution. For tips on home firework safety, please check out Cal Fire’s safety page.
Wishing everyone a wonderful, fun and safe 4th of July holiday!
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