Independence Day celebrated safely and sanely on the Central Coast
Jarrod Zinn
PISMO BEACH & SANTA MARIA, Calif. – Independence Day has so far been celebrated safely and sanely on the Central Coast.
The festivities spanned from Pismo Beach to Santa Maria, and beyond.
At Pismo Beach Pier, the 4th of July celebrations started at 9 a.m. with vendors from local businesses set up on the beach sand and in the parking lot.
It lasts all day, finishing the night with a professional fireworks display from the end of the pier at 9 p.m.
“We’re out here on summer vacation,” says Mason Krein, who lives in Brentwood. “Just having a great time out here.”
In Santa Maria, from 12-4 p.m. at the Elks baseball field behind the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center, a free public celebration called “Red, White and Play!” was held courtesy of a collaboration between Santa Maria Recreation & Parks and PLAY, Inc.
“We’re offering this great atmosphere for families to come out and enjoy,” says Dennis Smitherman, santa Maria Recreation Services manager. “Give them a chance to go out and play during the day, and they’ll be able to go home and celebrate tonight with their friends and family.”
With many unincorporated areas of the Central Coast, including Oceano in SLO county and Orcutt in North Santa Barbara County, having now prohibited the use of all personal fireworks, including those labeled “safe and sane,” communities are celebrating during the day, carnival style.
“I am glad that there’s professional shows,” says Krein. “You know, it’s beautiful coming out here at night and just being able to enjoy the view, enjoy the sky, all the fireworks.”
Fire departments are staffed and present at all these events, so the festive atmosphere and pleasant weather the Central Coast is famous for can facilitate a successful, safe and sane holiday.
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