Local residents learned this week that our neighborhood’s beloved annual fireworks display, courtesy of the Wilshire Country Club, has been cancelled. According the to country club, the vendor was unable to secure the necessary permits from the California State Fire Authority.
“Due to unforeseen circumstances completely out of the Club’s control, our annual fireworks show during the Fourth of July party will not proceed this year,” wrote the club in a message to members, which was shared with the Buzz. “Wilshire Country Club, along with approximately a dozen other private clubs and municipalities, has relied on the same vendor for the past several years to put on our Fourth of July fireworks show.”
As it turns out, the vendor, Exposhows Inc., based in Santa Monica, is under investigation by the State Fire Marshall. Today, the Los Angeles Daily News reported, “residents of four cities in Los Angeles County won’t see aerial fireworks displays as planned at Independence Day mega events due to a statewide investigation of the company hired to provide the pyrotechnics.”
The cities of Lancaster, Palmdale, La Puente and Lynwood had to cancel their fireworks shows, as well as several private clubs, including Oakmont Country Club in Glendale and El Caballero Club in Tarzana.
Officials at Wilshire told the Buzz they are very disappointed to be letting down so many residents who enjoy the club’s spectacular annual fireworks display. Apparently, they had been told the vendor was working out the issues and hoped to be able to operate. Only this week did they learn more about the situation, leaving them no time to make alternate plans. Wilshire officials told us they are already working on securing a new vendor for next year’s festivities.
Officials at the Los Angeles County Fire Department told the Buzz they had no information on the matter when we inquired, wondering if severe drought conditions played a role in the cancellations. On the contrary, officials told us, they were encouraging professional fireworks displays and strongly urging residents to turn in illegal fireworks. The department has also assembled a list of displays around LA county.
Below is a list of professional fireworks shows and events in the City of Los Angeles, from the Los Angeles Fire Department. This list will updated as Fireworks permits are approved. LAFD recommends checking with the venue or organization hosting the show for more detailed information on dates and times. You can also call (888) 654-FIRE (3473).
Grand Park
200 N Spring St, Los Angeles 90012
Dodger Stadium (July 1, 4)
1000 Vin Scully Ave., Los Angeles 90026
Beach Club
14730 Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Monica 90402
Palisades Charter High School
15777 Bowdoin St, Pacific Palisades 90272
Port of Los Angeles – Cabrillo Beach
3800 Stephen M. White Dr., San Pedro 90731
L.A. Waterfront – Cars & Stripes Forever (July 1)
Harbor Blvd at Swinford St, San Pedro 90731
Hollywood Forever Cemetery (July 2, 3, 4)
6000 Santa Monica Blvd, Hollywood 90038
Hollywood Bowl (July 2, 3, 4)
2301 N Highland Ave, Hollywood 90068
Bel Air Bay Club – Barge
16800 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades 90272
Hillcrest Country Club
10000 W Pico Blvd, Pico-Robertson 90064
Brentwood Country Club
590 S Burlingame Ave, Brentwood 90049
Hansen Dam 4th of July Festival [Drone Light Show – No Fireworks]
11658 Foothill Blvd, Lake View Terrace 91342
City of San Fernando Mall (July 2) [Laser Light Show – No Fireworks]
Maclay Ave at San Fernando Road, San Fernando 91340
Lakeside Country Club
4500 Lakeside Dr. Toluca Lake, 91505
Porter Ranch – Shepherd Church
19700 Rinaldi St, Northridge, 91326
Warner Ranch Park – Bob Blumenfield’s 4th of July Extravaganza
5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills 91367
LAFD also reminds everyone that all fireworks, even the so-called ‘safe and sane’ variety, are illegal in the City of Los Angeles. Residents can report illegal fireworks directly to the Los Angeles Police Department at any hour, using its online fireworks complaint form.
