Funding challenges nearly put a stop to the event. Photo by Michael Gordon
The Rotary Club of Ventura is proud to once again host the 4th of July Fireworks Show and Family Picnic at the Ventura College athletic fields. The event will be held on Tuesday, July 4th with gates opening at 5 pm and the fireworks show beginning at approximately 9 pm. Begun in 1994, the Ventura Rotary Fireworks event marks its 30th Anniversary in 2023!
Rob Van Nieuwburg, longtime Rotarian and past president shares, “We began the event in 1994 after the City had stopped hosting a fireworks event in order to provide a safe, patriotic and family-focused July 4th celebration. Back then we never really envisioned that we’d be doing this 30 years later, but we sure are proud and excited to do so.”
Funding challenges nearly put a stop to the event. Ken Leandro, the Rotary event chairperson, explains, “Costs to hold the event have skyrocketed over 38% since pre-covid years, and we are committed to keeping ticket prices affordable while also hiring the finest pyrotechnic company for a world-class fireworks show. This means corporate sponsors are critical to the event. We really can’t do it without them.”
This year’s major sponsors include the Ventura Auto Center, Hofer Properties, Community Memorial Healthcare, and the Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas).
“When we approached SoCalGas about the event, they really appreciated that it’s community and family focused,” says Leandro. Maria Ventura, SoCalGas Senior Public Affairs Manager, adds, “SoCalGas is proud to partner with the Ventura Rotary in support of the 4th of July event where we celebrate our Independence Day. We believe in the power of community and the Ventura Rotary embodies a deep commitment to Ventura which is why we are so excited to be a part of the festivities this year.”
As in past years, the event will have a Kids Zone featuring bounce houses and organized games like potato sack races and three-legged races, plus fun surprises like temporary tattoos in patriotic designs.
Families can bring a picnic, a blanket and soft low back folding chairs, and there will also be delicious food available from several Food Trucks. (No glass. No alcohol. No pets.)
“This year we have increased the number of food trucks, based on feedback received last year,” says Leandro. The main stage will welcome back live music from Soul Infusion, a Ventura/LA-based band.
Tickets are available for online purchase via Eventbrite, linked at www.VenturaFireworks.com Adults tickets are $10 each (age 13+), Childs ticket $5 (ages 4-12), and kids 3 and under are free. A special “Family-of-4” ticket is $28 and sold online only. Tickets can be purchased at the event gates. (Cash only at the gates.)
For more information, please visit www.VenturaFireworks.com where details are updated regularly.
