BAKERSFIELD, CA - What was dubbed the biggest fireworks show in Bakersfield won't be lighting up the sky this 4th of July. After three years of celebrations at the Park at River Walk, the city manager says there wasn't a sponsor to bring it back this year.
In a memo to the mayor and city council, City Manager Alan Tandy said late Friday the fireworks show is cancelled.
The city manager's office and the parks and recreation department referred our questions to Jon Dorman, general manager of AEG facilities.
"Last year the sponsorship amount was $20,000 to cover the cost of the fireworks show," said Dorman.
Dignity Health sponsored the fireworks show last year. Dignity Health marketing manager Sandy Doucette says she doesn't know when AEG asked if they could sponsor the event again this year, but she says Dignity declined in March.
Dorman said, "As soon as we found out our sponsorship sales person got on the phone, tried to locate a backup sponsor if you will, diligently, and we were unsuccessful."
Dorman says it's too late to get a sponsor now because fireworks companies are booked.
He says although the event isn't happening this year, he expects it will be back again next Independence Day.
"We actually have sponsors on the hook, ready to go and sign up for next year. We're very optimistic about next year's event," said Dorman.
Meantime, city fire officials say professional shows promote a safe way to enjoy fireworks.
Battalion Chief Danny Brown said, "We want everyone to enjoy the 4th. However, we want to see it safe. As dry as it is this year, fourth year of the drought. Illegal fireworks are going to be a major problem."
Brown says anything that flies or explodes is considered illegal in California. He says fireworks must also have the state fire marshal stamp.
The fireworks task force will be issuing citations for using illegal fireworks in the city and county. The fine is $1,500.
More than 700 pounds of illegal fireworks were confiscated last year.
In a memo to the mayor and city council, City Manager Alan Tandy said late Friday the fireworks show is cancelled.
The city manager's office and the parks and recreation department referred our questions to Jon Dorman, general manager of AEG facilities.
"Last year the sponsorship amount was $20,000 to cover the cost of the fireworks show," said Dorman.
Dignity Health sponsored the fireworks show last year. Dignity Health marketing manager Sandy Doucette says she doesn't know when AEG asked if they could sponsor the event again this year, but she says Dignity declined in March.
Dorman said, "As soon as we found out our sponsorship sales person got on the phone, tried to locate a backup sponsor if you will, diligently, and we were unsuccessful."
Dorman says it's too late to get a sponsor now because fireworks companies are booked.
He says although the event isn't happening this year, he expects it will be back again next Independence Day.
"We actually have sponsors on the hook, ready to go and sign up for next year. We're very optimistic about next year's event," said Dorman.
Meantime, city fire officials say professional shows promote a safe way to enjoy fireworks.
Battalion Chief Danny Brown said, "We want everyone to enjoy the 4th. However, we want to see it safe. As dry as it is this year, fourth year of the drought. Illegal fireworks are going to be a major problem."
Brown says anything that flies or explodes is considered illegal in California. He says fireworks must also have the state fire marshal stamp.
The fireworks task force will be issuing citations for using illegal fireworks in the city and county. The fine is $1,500.
More than 700 pounds of illegal fireworks were confiscated last year.
