BAKERSFIELD, CA - The blasts from the past are in Bakersfield's future for the first time in four years for the Fourth of July.
"We didn't get the approval for this year until March the first. So, we are running fast and furious," said Deb Moore with VisionCorps.
Moore says she and Canyon Hills Church have been working to bring back a July 4th with fireworks for over a year.
"We're in all of the way. It's going to happen on the Fourth of July. It's going to happen in a big way," said Moore.
Last year, firefighters issued 54 citations for illegal fireworks. Although that's down about 20 percent over the last three years, the hope is a public display will add to the decline.
"It's always better, shall we say, to go to a public display. They have much better fireworks, for one, and it's an event for the whole family and it's so much safer," said Kern County Fire Department Public Information Officer, Sean Collins.
Moore and her husband, Rick, have produced and directed Canyon Hill's "Glorious Christmas" program for years. Instead of a singing Christmas tree, there are plans for a giant singing flag for the Fourth of July.
Pyro and Fire FX out of Gig Harbor, Washington, will be in charge of the fireworks finale. They've done pyrotechnic work for Macklemore and Ryan Lewis and fireworks at numerous sporting events. Moore says this year's show will last 20 minutes, set to music.
"So, when the music goes bang, the fireworks will go bang. It'll be beautiful," said Moore.
Moore would not say how much money the church is putting toward the event, but said S.C. Anderson, Grimmway Farms, and San Joaquin Community Hospital are sponsors. She hopes to get more sponsors and to fill the thousands of seats at Memorial Stadium.
"We need to come out to that stadium and make one voice and say we are just very happy to live here and be free," said Moore.
The daytime festival is free. But, there is an admission charge starting at 7:30 p.m. Adult tickets are $12. Kids under 12 get in for $5.
Places selling tickets are Emporium Western Store, both Snider's Cyclery locations, Henley's, both Hope Christian Store locations, First Assembly of God, Canyon Hills Church and Liberty Christian Center, Stockdale Christian School, Canyon Hill Pre-School and Peet's, at The Summit. Also, tickets are 50 percent off this week if you like the event's Facebook page.
www.facebook.com/ILoveAmericaBakersfield