Palm Springs prepares for Fourth of July laser light show
The annual Macy's Fourth of July fireworks in New York City were spread out over several days in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic.
On Saturday organizers were at work setting up for a laser light show that will take place at 9:15 p.m. on Sunday at Ruth Hardy Park. It will replace the traditional fireworks show in a decision that came down from a split Palm Springs City Council vote last month. One of the major reasons behind the decision was to avoid causing additional trauma to veterans dealing with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and pets.
On Sunday activities at Ruth Hardy park begin at 4 p.m. and will include food & games and Dude Jones Band, which will perform at 6:30 p.m.
Some of the other events include:
Victoria Park 4th of July Water Palooza (11 a.m. – 1 p.m.): Free hot dogs and snow cones, water games, food, music
Palm Springs Swim Center Family Pool Party (3 – 9 p.m.) – Food, water games, music
Sunrise Park Independence Fest (activities start at 3 p.m.): Music, games, food, Movie in the Park starts at dusk.
"This July 4 now that so many events, especially for kids, have opened back up we’re going to be here at Victoria Park for the events," Palm Springs resident, Jamie Pricer said.
Pricer was with her grandson at the park on Saturday. She's happy things are starting to return to normal, and in time for the holiday.
"It’s wonderful, I’ve missed so many people and being able to be near somebody and give somebody a hug-- it’s just so nice to be able to be back to normal," Pricer said.
"I’m going to be playing drums in the Dude Jones Band," musician, Rick Grea said.
Grea was scoping out Ruth Hardy Park Saturday-- that's where he'll be performing with a band at 6:30 p.m.
"It’s going to be business as usual, it’s going to be great, we’re going to have a lot of fun," Grea said.
Some of the valley's first fireworks shows of the Fourth of July weekend kicked off Friday night at Bagdouma Park in Coachella.
It was a much different display compared to one year prior when most celebrations were scaled back due to surging COVID-19 cases and state restrictions.
The Southern California Auto Club expects that 3.3 million Southern California residents will travel at least 50 miles or more from home this weekend.
