Salinas offers free July 4th fireworks show

It takes dozens of pyrotechnic experts to put on a big fireworks show. Monday morning, crews were busy putting on the finishing touches for this year’s show at the Salinas Sports Complex.

A big crowd is expected this year, with space for about 16,000 people.

“Hopefully they make it pretty good since it’s been ten years,” said Denise Ibarra of Salinas. “Hopefully they make it longer.”

This year, safe and sane fireworks are banned in Salinas, so most folks are looking to watch from a safe distance instead of lighting fireworks themselves. The city has spent $50,000 on the 20-minute show.

“It’s an alternative to at home doing something that may not be appropriate with illegal fireworks that are dangerous,” said Salinas Mayor Joe Gunter

Some residents in the area say they wish they could stick to their old holiday tradition.

“It would be really fun because you light it up and you run out as fast as you can. And it’s really fun because you get to see the experience just in front of you — just light up in the sky — and it’s the best feeling in the world,” said Jackie Gastelum of Salinas.

The city wants people to know they can still get their “oohs and aahs” by coming to the free event.

“It’s actually helped quite a bit to reduce incidents,” said Salinas City Councilman Steve McShane. “We’ve definitely seen a reduction in call volume thanks to outreach, and ultimately a lot of folks planning on celebrating their 4th of July at the show provided by the city.”

During the show, more than 3,000 pounds of fireworks will be lit by a pyrotechnic operator using a computer located 100 feet from the fireworks.

Fire crews will be on site tonight. During preparations, they asked the Sports Complex to turn on sprinklers, making sure the area isn’t dry, and insuring the show stays in the sky.

ORIGINAL STORY: Crews are busy loading mortars and attaching wires in preparation for tonight’s public fireworks display at the Salinas Sports Complex/Rodeo Grounds. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the show is expected to begin at 9:30. Admission is free. Parking is $5.00.

KION’s Brandon Castillo is getting a behind the scenes look at the labor intensive preparations and will show us how it all comes together tonight at 5 and 6 p.m..