By Mary O’KEEFE

Despite a disappointing response to its request, the CVFA vows that with community support this 4th of July will have a fireworks show.

At the April 27 meeting of the Glendale City Council four of its five councilmembers voted not to increase the Council’s annual $5,000 donation to the Crescenta Valley Fireworks Assn. (CVFA). Steve Pierce, representing the CVFA, had gone to the City for support because, like many other non-profit organizations, the association is facing funding deficits due to COVID-19.

Typically the CVFA makes the money to pay for the annual event through the sale of tickets to the show and rides brought into the event and also from on-site food trucks. In addition, throughout the year the CVFA would hold fundraisers, like bingo nights and other activities, but those too have been curtailed by the pandemic. Not only did the city council not approve the additional funding but some members lobbed disparaging statements about the area that were off-putting to those who live in Crescenta Valley, which includes Montrose, Sparr Heights and Far North Glendale.

These comments prompted several remarks on social media by those living in the area.

“Crescenta Valley” is a regional term that includes foothill communities extending from Sunland-Tujunga to La Cañada Flintridge. Students who attend Crescenta Valley High School are from the City of Glendale – Montrose and Far North Glendale – as well as from the unincorporated areas of La Crescenta/Montrose. Schools in these areas are part of the Glendale Unified School District.
Pierce called the comments from the dais “disappointing” but immediately turned his attention to securing a fireworks show that may be located in Crescenta Valley, at the high school, but welcome to all.

“It will be a high fireworks show,” Pierce said meaning the fireworks display will stretch high in the sky to reach a wide audience. And although people won’t be able to come onto the high school field, they can come and park along the nearby streets.
“People who park need to follow all street signs,” Pierce advised, “and follow social distancing and wear face [coverings].”

For over 30 years, the CV fireworks show has been a far-reaching community event that sees thousands of people enjoying the July 4th festivities. The fireworks show started as an event sponsored by the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce. Throughout the years the event has evolved from a simple fireworks show to including games and rides for kids and providing a variety of food booths. There was one infamous year when the pyrotechnic person in charge of fireworks did not show up. Tickets were sold and people were sitting on the CVHS track and field waiting for the show that unfortunately did not go on. Money was refunded to those in attendance from the ticket sale.

The fireworks show as it is now was created by La Cañada Flintridge resident Chuck Hughes, who built the fireworks firing system and designed the show, said Robert “Hutch” Hutchins, the pyrotechnic technician who has headed up the fireworks since 2000.

“[Hughes] asked me to step in,” Hutch said of his involvement with the show after the former technician was unable to continue.
Hutch has a volunteer staff of between 30 to 50 people.

“Normally on a show like this you would have a few days of setup but with a big crew we will show up on the fourth [of July],” he said.

About 2006, the Chamber could no longer sponsor the event. It was assumed that fireworks in CV would end but a group of residents, including those from Glendale, met at a local restaurant and decided they wanted to continue the annual show. They began to make phone calls to everyone they knew and were able to get the initial funding. The Crescenta Valley Fireworks Association was created.

Adjustments had to be made after CVHS installed a new track and artificial turf field. Due to the artificial turf, the games and rides that had been on the field for previous shows would no longer be allowed. The CVFA quickly adapted and, with the support of GUSD, the games and seating area moved to nearby La Crescenta Elementary School though the fireworks were still set off from CVHS. The show eventually was able to move back to the CVHS track and field with precautions undertaken due to the artificial track.

Then the pandemic hit and everything stopped. In 2020, there was talk about having a fireworks display only but the concern was great of having too many people gathering and causing a “super spreader” event. So the fireworks were dark.
Now as LA County moves into less restrictive tiers and more people are vaccinated, the show can once again take place though with a few restrictions including the absence of games, ticketed admission and food trucks.

Pierce and the CVFA have decided the show will go on and are relying on the community for support.

“If we had 500 contributions of $25 each we could ensure the show would go on,” Pierce said. “We are not going to allow this [event] to disappear this year.”

Since the April 27 city council meeting Pierce has seen strong support for the fireworks show including continued support from State Senator Anthony Portantino and representatives from GUSD, and individuals who just want the show to go on.
For those who would like to donate, make checks payable to CV Fireworks and mail to CV Fireworks, 2629 Foothill Blvd. #179, La Crescenta, CA 91214. To pay online, visit www.cvfireworks.com. Anyone with questions can contact the CVFA at (818) 248-2271.