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The city of Livermore's annual "Salute to the Fourth of July" fireworks show won't be taking place downtown this year. Instead, the show will light up the sky from Robertson Park.
While the most recent fireworks shows have been hosted by Livermore Downtown Inc. atop the parking garage on Railroad Avenue, the city determined that the show would move back to Robertson Park, where it has taken place in the past, to "offer better crowd management and safety," officials said.
Although the venue is changing, Livermore Downtown Inc. remains an active partner in this year's event.
On Tuesday, July 4, entry gates open at 4 p.m. and close at 8:30 p.m., with the fireworks show beginning at 9:30 p.m. and lasting 20 minutes. Fireworks will be launched from the softball fields and gates will reopen after the show has ended.
The first 2,000 people in attendance will receive an American Flag fan courtesy of sponsor Marcel Orthodontics. There will also be live music from local band Foam Riders of Livermore, and everyone is encouraged to bring food from their favorite local restaurant or purchase from food trucks at the event.
City officials noted that consumption of alcohol and possession of open containers of alcohol is not allowed. Pets, glass containers and pop-ups are also not permitted.
This holiday display is the only exception to the city's restrictions on fireworks. All fireworks are illegal in the city of Livermore, including "safe and sane" fireworks that may be legal to purchase in other cities like nearby Dublin.
The City Council recently approved amendments to the city’s fireworks ordinance to include a social hosting provision, which went into effect on June 22.
The provision holds the property owner or person in charge of hosting a gathering where fireworks are being discharged liable for their guests’ actions on their property. The provision applies when the guest using the fireworks cannot be identified.
During the city's family-friendly celebration, Livermore High School varsity dance team and varsity girls' basketball team will host an activity zone for kids from 5 to 8 p.m. as a fundraising effort. Their kids zone will offer cash-only children’s activities including face painting and games. They’ll also have water and glow sticks for purchase.
The event is free to attend but parking onsite requires a pre-paid parking pass, which will not be available to purchase at the event. Parking passes can be purchased on Eventbrite.
There is no fee for pedestrians and bicyclists. However, officials advise pedestrians and bicyclists to use the path/sidewalk entrances (reference map on city's website). Pedestrians will not be allowed to use the Robertson Park roadway entrance at Concannon Boulevard and Arroyo Road.
Robertson Park is located at 3200 Robertson Park Road. A site map and detailed information about parking restrictions in the surrounding neighborhoods can be found at www.LivermoreCA.gov/Fireworks.
