The City of Poway announced today that with the support of donations from its business community, the city will host not one, but two firework shows to expand viewing opportunities as part of a re-imagined Fourth of July celebration. Simultaneous firework displays will be launched from both Poway High School and the city’s Sportsplex in the South Poway Business Park.
Poway Mayor Steve Vaus had previously asked the City Council to ensure that its annual fireworks display from the high school continue, stating that he was confident the city could find a way to honor our nation’s day of independence in a manner that was consistent with county public health orders.
“Keeping these celebrations going is more important than ever,” said Mayor Vaus. “They will bring people together in spirit and shine a little bit of light into the darkness we’ve experienced due to the pandemic, all while we celebrate our nation’s founding.”
The biggest challenge once the city announced it was continuing its fireworks show was determining the best vantage point to accommodate socially-distanced viewing. Because of its location in the more rural and hilly northeastern part of the city, the traditional location at Poway High School was less than ideal for accommodating the expected increase in viewers. But when the local business community responded in such a big way allowing Poway to add a second show, the City chose to locate it in south Poway at Sportsplex because it would give an almost 360-degree opportunity for people to take in the fireworks display.
The generosity of the following businesses made this year’s expanded Fourth of July fireworks celebration possible:
- EDCO Disposal
- General Atomics
- Phil’s BBQ
- Cox Communications
- Toyota of Poway
- The Farm in Poway
There won’t be viewing from the Poway High School football field/stadium this year due to social distancing concerns, but the City will have a limited number of parking permis available to view the fireworks from Lake Poway. Registration for the all-day passes start at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 17. The cost is FREE for Poway residents and $10 for non-residents. There is a $1.50 transaction fee for all registrations. This is because we are using our regular registration system to limit the number of people using the park to view fireworks so we can comply with social distancing protocols and the county public health orders. Anyone wishing to park at the lake must register for/purchase a parking pass online in advance. No one will be admitted without a parking pass.
The City of Poway asks that anyone heading out to view the fireworks continue to follow the county’s public health orders to limit the spread for COVID-19. This includes no gatherings beyond members of your household and wearing a face covering if you’re within six feet of people not from your household.
Fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. on July 4. More information will be available soon regarding Lake Poway parking and a map for other viewing alternatives.