Baldwin Park cancels fireworks at July 3 Independence Day event; organizers cite safety

Baldwin Park staff reported that the city’s Independence Day program on July 3 at Sierra Vista High School proceeded with live music, acrobatic performers and family activities but without the planned fireworks display after safety concerns.

Program supervisor Armando Nava told the Parks and Recreation Commission that the event opened to the public at 5:30 p.m., with the program beginning at 6:30 p.m., and included a band, acrobatic dancers, carnival rides, face painters, balloon artists, food vendors and information booths. “This year, we did not have a fireworks show, due to circumstances with our firework technician. He felt very unsafe,” Nava said.

Nava and commissioners said the pyrotechnician reported that the fireworks were not lifting to the proper distance and that a wind shift that day changed the expected trajectory. Nava added that the city’s fire marshal was on site and supported the pyrotechnician’s decision to cancel the display. Nava said the decision prioritized the safety of spectators.

Commissioner Maria Vavalos said staff explained the reasons onstage and that attendees “didn’t boo. I didn’t hear any boos” and understood the safety concerns. City staff also thanked the Baldwin Park School District for use of the site, the Baldwin Park Police Department for event security, and public works and recreation staff for logistics and post-event cleanup.

Organizers said the community program continued with entertainment and family activities despite the canceled fireworks. No formal action or vote was taken on the cancellation during the meeting.

The commission’s report did not include an estimate of total attendance for the event; staff said attendance was lower than in 2024 but still “well attended.”