By Robin GOLDSWORTHY and Mary O’KEEFE

Thousands of people throughout the Crescenta Valley and downtown Glendale enjoyed thousands of fireworks that were on display on the evening of Independence Day, July 4.

After missing any type of display last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions on social gathering, this year people were eager to celebrate the Fourth of July … with some new twists.

Rather than having its full, open field event at Crescenta Valley High School, on the Fourth of July the Crescenta Valley Fireworks Association held a vibrant fireworks display that was available at no cost to the entire Crescenta Valley. The fireworks show lasted about 25 minutes and was made possible by community donors.

“This year we were all a little nervous about how the show would happen, and if it would happen at all,” said Mike Shaar, president, CV Fireworks Association. “Thanks to some sponsors, and to many generous members of the public, we were able to bring in enough donations to make the show possible this year. I don’t know many realize how much a show like this costs to put on. The coordinators are all volunteers in the community who have worked on the show year after year. It feels great to work with such a talented team.” 

A few dignitaries were granted rooftop access at the high school to view the fireworks. They included former Fifth District Supervisor Michael Antonovich and his family, CV Town Council President Harry Leon and former CVHS Principal Linda Junge and her husband Jason.

“The fireworks display this year was amazing. We have heard a lot of praise from the community about the show,” said Shaar. “The number of fireworks launched was by far the largest ever and the audience seemed to really enjoy the show despite not being able to be on the field. From what we could tell there were thousands of onlookers around the school and surrounding area watching the event. The audio simulcast was an extra bonus we were able to put together.”

The City of Glendale opted to provide its own fireworks display rather than directing its residents to other professional displays. Bursts of fireworks could be seen exploding in the sky above Glendale, launched from the rooftop of the Marketplace Parking Garage across Harvard Street.

According to Patty Betancourt with the City of Glendale Community Services & Parks Dept., “The event went well. Hundreds of people lined up on Harvard, Brand Boulevard and in Central Park to watch the fireworks. We saw people from apartment balconies and guests at nearby halls looking on, as well as people walking up and down Brand, at the restaurants and using the green space at the Library and at Central Park. ”

The “Jewel City Sparkles” display was a celebration of the re-opening of downtown and the inaugural fireworks display was presented by the City and sponsored in part by Rick Caruso.

Betancourt said that it hasn’t yet been determined if the City will host another display next year.

“We will evaluate this year’s event and do what we feel is most feasible and best for the community,” she said.

Due to the pandemic La Cañada Flintridge had to cancel this and last year’s Fiesta Day festivities, normally held on Memorial Day, but they did bring some of those traditional events to the Independence Day weekend. On July 5 the day started with a 5K run sponsored by the YMCA. About 200 runners took part in the run, including several young runners. Later in the morning, at 10:30 a.m., a hometown parade traveled along Foothill Boulevard, showcasing its grand marshal – the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

“The parade was a complete success,” said Pat Anderson, president and chief executive officer, La Cañada Flintridge Chamber of Commerce.

Anderson said they were happy to have the parade and very pleased to honor JPL as the grand marshal.

JPL members walked down parade route and others watched from the sidelines cheering on their colleagues. The recent Mars 2020 Perseverance rover, including the Ingenuity robotic helicopter that has had several successful flights on Mars, was highlighted.

This year the parade had two royal courts participate – both the 2020 and 2021 because last year’s parade was cancelled due to the pandemic.

Later that afternoon, Music in the Park was kicked off by the popular Captain Cardiac and the Coronaries. Music in the Park will continue through the summer on Sunday evenings starting at 6 p.m.

Though pleased with how well this year’s festivities went, Anderson said the City of La Cañada Flintridge is already looking forward to next year.

“On May 30, 2022 we will have our parade and all the Fiesta Day activities,” Anderson said.

Photos by Robin GOLDSWORTHY, Mary O’KEEFE, Vic PALLOS and Ruth SOWBY