Fireworks |
La Jolla, Calif.,—
We're just weeks away now, until all the annual Fourth of July fireworks displays start lighting up the night sky. But for some communities this year, that may not be the case. The economy is taking a toll on a longstanding tradition.One of those communities is La Jolla. Fireworks at La Jolla Cove are considered one of the best displays during the 4th, but there is a possibility that it won't happen this year. "If we don't raise the money, we don't have the fireworks. It's as simple as that," said La Jolla resident Diane Bush. "They're a family tradition. We'd always come to the Cove for fireworks," said Julie Martinage of La Jolla.
For years, La Jolla residents, enjoyed the fireworks thanks in large part, to the owner of George's At The Cove restaurant, George Hauer. According to organizers, he constantly fronted the $40,000 bill for the fireworks, but this year he couldn't, because of continuing costs and loss of community grants. That's where Adam Harris stepped in, along with a few thousand of his neighbors. In four days he was able to spread the word about the need to fundraise to bring the fireworks back this year. During that time, efforts have raised over $20,000 simply through e-mails, Twitter, and Facebook, said Harris. "I just couldn't imagine my niece who's four-years-old, not seeing the fireworks going forward," he said.
Other communities have scrapped their fireworks displays for the 4th of July. Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, and Oceanside are just some of the communities that couldn't afford its displays. "I really want them to come back. Like I could spend all day with my frieds there," said Imperial Beach resident Bianka Sancez. She said she remembers when the the 4th of July fireworks would be paired with the IB Sandcastle competition.
In Chula Vista, fireworks won't happen there either. The city cites economic concerns but it hopes to have them once again in 2010.
Meanwhile back in La Jolla, organizers said they are close to reaching it's goal of $27,000. If you want to donate, go to savelajollafireworks.com.
