By McKenna MIDDLETON and Mary O’KEEFE

The 4th of July is a highly anticipated night of the year. It is a time to celebrate the birth of the nation and to remember on what this country was built – on family, sacrifice and an independent spirit.

This is especially true in the Crescenta Valley community and the CV Fireworks Association (CVFA) has been working hard all year to make this 4th of July the best yet.

“Each year we try to make the event bigger, better and safer than the year before,” said Steve Goldsworthy, CVFA president. “This year we have some great things planned.”

Among the changes this year is the extension of the fireworks show.

“We will have an additional five minutes of [fireworks],” he said. “[The event] was already considered a good show; this will make it even better.”

Attendees won’t have to pay extra for the longer show, either. Ticket prices will be kept the same as last year: presale tickets are $7, $10 at the gate, and children under the age of 7 are free.

Keeping the price affordable is a way to keep it accessible for families, added Goldsworthy.

Eight years ago, the CVFA was formed to relaunch the annual 4th of July celebration that had been a CV tradition for years. During the eight years, the event has grown with the addition of food trucks, live music and carnival rides.

This year will also feature an “added surprise” that Goldsworthy is keeping a secret only to be revealed to the audience at the event.

“It is something attendees will not want to miss,” promised Goldsworthy.

Financing of the event is reliant on donations from the community, and it is not cheap. The additional five minutes of fireworks is at a cost of about $1,000 per minute but, according to Goldsworthy, will be well worth it.

Because 2014 has been so dry, there is a high fire danger this year. The CV fireworks show is a safe way for community members to partake in the 4th of July celebration, not to mention the most entertaining.

Each year the Independence Day event honors local military personnel, both active and veterans. This year, the CVFA will honor veteran Art Napiwocki.

“We are [recognizing] him for all the work he has done for the rights of veterans over the years,” Goldsworthy said.

The 4th of July Celebration takes place on the playground at La Crescenta Elementary School, 4343 La Crescenta Ave. The entrance to the viewing area on the campus is on Prospect Avenue.

In addition to the school campus, there will be a large viewing area on Prospect Avenue this year, providing spectators a better view of the show.

The presale period for tickets ends July 3. Tickets can be purchased at the CV Chamber of Commerce, 3131 Foothill Blvd. Ste. D, CV Weekly, 3800 La Crescenta Ave. Ste. 101, J’s Maintenance, 3550 Foothill Blvd., CV Insurance, 3156 Foothill Blvd., Pacific Outdoor Living, 2727 Foothill Blvd., and Montrose Harvest Market on Honolulu Avenue on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

In addition to street parking, there will be parking available at the Crescenta Valley High School parking lots at a cost of $5 per vehicle. The proceeds from the parking will benefit Prom Plus Club, a volunteer organization and youth arm of the Prom Plus organization. Prom Plus offers a safe alternative to an after prom party for CVHS seniors and their guests.

  Mary Okeefe, Mckenna MIDDLETON