One of my fondest memories in living up on Dictionary Hill in Spring Valley was the fireworks display at the Spring Valley Swap Meet. I did not mind seeing the lights of cars as many people from East County would drive up the hill, park on the streets and families would pile out of the car to watch this spectacular show. With the front deck of my house facing the west, not only did we get an eye level view of the fireworks from the swap meet, but also all along the coastline you could see the many coastal fireworks going on in tandem.
One of my fondest memories in living up on Dictionary Hill in Spring Valley was the fireworks display at the Spring Valley Swap Meet. I did not mind seeing the lights of cars as many people from East County would drive up the hill, park on the streets and families would pile out of the car to watch this spectacular show. With the front deck of my house facing the west, not only did we get an eye level view of the fireworks from the swap meet, but also all along the coastline you could see the many coastal fireworks going on in tandem. It was always spectacular.
As far as I can see, Spring Valley is not participating this year, but there are many places in East County and beyond that are participating in this year’s Fourth of July celebrations, complete with firework spectacles.
I’ve heard nothing but great things about the El Cajon 4th of July Picnic and Fireworks. From 1:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Kennedy Park is a beautiful place to spend the day with the family, have a picnic, listen to great music and wait for the fireworks to start to pop. Santee Salutes is another great destination with live music, a kid’s fun zone and Santee Salutes’ firework display. From 2:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Town Center Community Park East, it is another great place to spend time with family and the community in celebrating the freedom that we have as Americans.
If you are a traveller for the best fireworks in town, many communities along the coast are participating in this year’s Big Bay Boom, with a few additions that decided to go solo this year. Going East, you can spend the day in Julian and enjoy its 4th of July Parade, with all the trimmings that Julian has to offer. The Ramona Rotary Community fireworks is another great destination for an evening of family picnics and fireworks from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
No matter what your taste, there are a plethora of fireworks displays throughout the county, from the coast to the mountains, to theme parks and inland valleys. San Diego County has a long tradition of patriotic festivities for families.
Myself, I’m not a fan of traveling on the Fourth of July. Unless I can view it from my home or walk to the event, I much prefer staying in the safety of my home. It is not the crowds that bother me, but rather the people the roads. With drinking being a large part of the day’s celebrations, it is other drivers that scare me the most. So for those who like to participate, please think of others on the road and have designated drivers. The crowds are thick and after the fireworks are done, so are our local roads and highways. Law enforcement will be out in full force throughout the holiday weekend and it is not worth the personal risk and risks to others to drink and drive.
And please, as much fun as it is, do not play with fireworks at home. We are not even in official fire season, but fire season has hit us hard already here deep in East County. Remember the price that a simple spark can create and while you are celebrating, remember those that are displaced and trying to get their lives back together.
One last thing. Take care of your pets and make sure they are safe and secure. With three dogs in the house, we keep them inside with the TV on loud to help keep them from getting over excited with all of the noise. More pets get loose and lost because of fireworks, and sadly, many never make their way back home.
