Seal Beach Daily

Fireworks are banned in Seal Beach and Los Alamitos, but that doesn’t mean our Independence Day is without a bang. We’ve got the 22nd Annual 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular — a whole day of red, white and blue doings at the Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base — ending in an hour-long pyrotechnic crescendo.

This year’s fun includes: Live music from rock and military bands, flag presentations, a WWII reenactment, military aircraft flyovers and a special retirement ceremony to honor the retirement of Brigadier General James P. Combs. And for the browsing: a food court, the “JFTB Liberty Village” Vendor Fair, an expanded Kids Fun Zone. [Click here for a complete printable schedule.pdf]

Scheduled highlights:

• 2 p.m. – Gates open
• 3 p.m. – Music starts on the Main Stage
• 4 p.m. – B.G. Combs retirement ceremony
• 5:30 p.m. – WWII Reenactment
• 7 p.m. – 4th of July ceremony starts on the Main Stage
• 9 p.m. – Fireworks Spectacular

Logistics: Admission and parking are free. Entry at Gate 4, 11200 Lexington Drive (south of Katella). No bleachers this year, so bring your own lawn chairs or blankets. Event-goers over 16 must show photo I.D. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. No motor homes, dogs, personal fireworks or alcohol.

The annual spectacular is hosted by cities of Seal Beach, Los Alamitos, Cypress and The Rossmoor Community Services District and the Joint Forces Training Base.

Update, July 1: The Orange County Register reports that 20,000 are expected to attend. See some pictures from previous years at ocregister.com.

In the neighborhood: Long Beach has two 9 p.m. shows: One at the Queen Mary, which can be viewed from Queensway Bay and the beach areas, and the 52nd Annual Long Beach Firemen’s Memorial Association show at Veterans Stadium. Read more at the Press- Telegram. Huntington Beach will celebrate its own centennial and the Fourth of July by shooting fireworks from the end of the Huntington Pier. Read more at ocregister.com.