Drought, construction alter Valley Fourth of July firework shows

Wildfire concerns in the Sierra National Forest and construction at Buchanan High School will alter two large Valley fireworks shows this Fourth of July.

Bass Lake’s annual Light Up the Sky fireworks show will be replaced with a laser light show.

And in Clovis, the Kiwanis Club will move its annual July 4 fireworks show to Lamonica Stadium at Clovis High this year due to construction at the usual venue, Buchanan High’s Veterans Memorial Stadium.

Michelle Miller of the Bass Lake Chamber of Commerce said this is the fifth time the on-the-water show has been canceled since its inception in 1937. The chamber canceled twice during World War II and twice in the 1970s when it was undergoing a leadership change.

Miller said the chamber was trying to be “more mindful as we just had a major fire in this area last year. But this show will be exciting, something new and should grab the interest of children and adults.”

In September, the Courtney Fire ravaged much of the Bass Lake Heights neighborhood, destroying 30 homes and causing an estimated $12 million in damage. Oscar Bustillos, 49, of Apple Valley is awaiting trial on a felony arson charge in the case. According to Cal Fire investigators, he was burning a deer carcass when the flames spread up some grass on Courtney Lane and into the neighborhood.

Due to the continued drought conditions and warm temperatures, Sierra National Forest and Cal Fire firefighters predict similar wildfire activity this summer.

Miller said the chamber experimented with the idea of using the lake to create a large water screen, similar to the one used in the World of Color show at Disney’s California Adventure theme park. However, the screen proved too small for the large lakeside viewing area during a May 29 test run.

Coordinating the laser show was tricky, Miller said, because the lake is a little small for lasers. But the event coordinators settled on a show that will beam lasers across the lake’s treeline and feature music. Miller also teased at a show element that will feature audience interaction.

A boat parade will run sometime before the laser light show, which will start at 9 p.m. on July 4, Miller said. The best decorated boats will be eligible to win prizes.

Miller said the chamber hopes to resume the fireworks show next year.

Clovis show goes on

Clovis Kiwanis director Eddie DeLeon said the club’s 22-minute show at Lamonica Stadium will run much as it has in previous years.

Tickets will be $5 and can be purchased at the gates or in advance at the Valley First Credit Union branch on 1177 N. Willow Ave. The gates will open at 5 p.m., with fireworks scheduled to start around 9 p.m.

Other big shows:

▪ The Fresno Grizzlies’ annual fireworks show at Chukchansi Park will be after the July 4 game against the Tacoma Rainiers. Tickets for the 7:05 p.m. game start at $9.

▪ Wild Water Adventure Park will host its Star Spangled Review fireworks shows on June 26-27 and July 2-4. General admission tickets to the park are $29.99.

▪ For those in the Sierra looking to watch fireworks, Shaver Lake Real Estate & Rentals will host its annual fireworks show from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on July 5.

This story was originally published June 5, 2015 at 6:16 PM with the headline "Drought, construction alter Valley Fourth of July firework shows."