Summer is just around the corner and along with family vacations, lazy days at the lake and no homework for the kids, residents in and around the 209 can put a few Fourth of July fireworks displays on their ‘to do’ list.
While many communities do allow the state Fire Marshal-approved Safe and Sane fireworks for personal use, the attraction of a full-blown aerial display of color and the booming sounds that reverberate through the night air can’t be denied.
Here are just a few of the scheduled shows to help celebrate Independence Day for 2023.
Don Pedro Lake
Returning after a hiatus in 2022, the Don Pedro fireworks show will be staged on July 1. Lasting approximately 30 minutes, the professional show is done over the water and the best way to access it is from Fleming Meadows, at 11500 Bonds Flat Road, La Grange. There is a $40 fee per vehicle to get in to Don Pedro and, if you bring a vessel for the lake, there is an extra $20 charge. Many take advantage of the day to enjoy boating on the lake before settling in for the nighttime show, which starts about 9:30 p.m.
More information is available by contacting the Lake Don Pedro Visitors Center at 209-852-2396 or visiting their Facebook page, at DonPedroLake. The show, ‘Fireworks on the Water’ is presented by the Don Pedro Recreation Agency. Parking is limited so they recommend arriving early.
Woodward Reservoir
Head out to Woodward Reservoir, 14528 26-Mile Road, north of Oakdale, for a July 1 show. The fireworks traditionally begin about 9 p.m., so plan to get there early and settle in for the display. Cost is $25 per vehicle and the fireworks are presented over the water at Woodward. More information is available by calling 209-847-3304 or at stancountyparks.com.
Ironstone Vineyards
Plan to make a day of it on July 1 as Ironstone Vineyards puts on its Independence Day Celebration from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m., at 1894 6 Mile Road, Murphys.
The gates will open at 2 p.m. and it is cash only admission; cost is $20 for adults, $10 for those 6 to 12, those five and under are admitted free. No outside food or beverages, no coolers. There will be family fun including bounce houses, jugglers, face painting and a rock wall, live music by Shane Dwight, The Poison Oakies and Justice Ramos along with food, wine and beer for sale. Lawn chairs are permitted. The festivities will be topped off by a fantastic fireworks display. Call Ironstone at 209-728-1251 for more information or visit ironstonevineyards.com/fireworks
Bass Lake
On July 4 Bass Lake will put on its 2023 Light Up The Sky event, with a boat parade at 7 p.m. and fireworks at dusk. There is no admission fee; the boat parade starts near the entrance to Willow Cove followed by fireworks about 9 p.m. This is the biggest fireworks show in Madera County and is sponsored by the Bass Lake Chamber of Commerce.
