By Daily Press staff
Santa Monica’s only fireworks show to celebrate our nation’s independence will occur tonight.
The free event, called “Celebrate America” will be held at Santa Monica College’s Corsair Field at 6 p.m. Gates open at 5 p.m.
The event has been held for the past 20 years and attracted more than 20,000 people last year.
The event was canceled earlier this year because of the SMC’s gaping budget deficit. College officials said it didn’t seem right to stage a party while teachers were being laid off and whole departments were being eliminated.
But after the city launched an intense fundraising effort, residents and local businesses began mailing in checks earmarked for the event, which costs $50,000 to put on.
The city canceled its popular Fourth of July event in 1991, citing liability concerns. Controlling the massive crowds that congregated along the Palisades Park bluffs and the beaches below became too difficult, city officials said.
At this year’s celebration, the barbershop group the Santa Monica Ocean Aires, the Santa Monica High School Marching Band and the J.D. Hall Band are expected to perform, with fireworks handled by Fireworks & Stage FX America, Inc.
SMC is located at 1900 Pico Blvd.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 28, 2003. Read the original PDF.