Lucerne Valley may not have fireworks this July 3 due to budget constraints. File photo: David Pardo
Staff Staff Report
The annual July 3rd fireworks event at Pioneer Park may not occur this year due to lack of funds.
“The July 3rd thing may not happen this year,” County Service Area 29 manager Reese Troublefield told the audience at last Thursday’s monthly meeting of the Lucerne Valley Johnson Valley Municipal Advisory Council.
According to Troublefield, Pyro Spectaculars, the pryotechnical company that has provided the annual fireworks display on July 3 in Lucerne Valley, charges CSA 29 about $8,500 per show. That figure is significantly less than displays on the Fourth of July. If held on Independence Day it would cost about $50,000, he said.
But so far, there is not enough in the fireworks kitty to pay for it this year.
Troublefield expressed reluctance in asking the community to pay for the cost.
“We don’t go into the community and try to twist arms,” Troublefield said. “This community is especially giving.”
Despite his warning, Troublefield is still hoping to get the funds to keep the fireworks display, concert and family picnic event going this year.
“It’s a great family event,” Troublefield said. “I’m hoping to find money to do it.”