Due to major construction at West Los Angeles College, the annual 4th of July Fireworks Show by the Culver City Exchange Club and sponsored by the City of Culver City and the County of Los Angeles has been canceled for 2019.
The College is undergoing a $60 million improvement that will enhance outdoor gathering spaces, increase green space, improve pedestrian access and establish enhanced infrastructure and technologies for the future.
The show has taken place at WLAC for the past three years. Officials said the college was “an ideal location because of its ample parking, facilities and reduced neighborhood impacts.”
Due to extensive campus-wide construction, the fireworks show cannot be safely accommodated this year, Exchange Club officials said.
“We value the relationship with the Exchange Club and the City of Culver City, and appreciate the communities’ understanding as the college continues to grow,” said Dr. Jim Limbaugh, president of West Los Angeles College. “As we move into our 50th year, we are excited about the two new buildings currently under construction that will expand our programs for paralegal, computer science and business as well as house a state-of-the-art soundstage unlike anything else in the nation. Last year, we postponed construction to host the 2018 Fireworks Show, but the work is currently too encompassing to comfortably host this year’s event. We are hopeful that we can welcome the event back in 2020.”
The City of Culver City is committed to working with the Exchange Club the County of Los Angeles and West Los Angeles College to proactively produce an exciting program and event next year.
“The Club, along with the City of Culver City, hopes to be able to bring back an even better event in 2020 and wishes everyone in Culver City a happy and safe 4th of July,” said Culver City Exchange Club President Francia Fate.
Fireworks options
“While we’re sad the Fireworks show that the City has sponsored, supported and enjoyed for the past 53 years cannot take place in 2019, we’re making the most out of this year’s July 4th celebration by looking to our neighbors and friends to create a new kind of Independence Day memory,” said Culver City Mayor Meghan Sahli-Wells. “With neighborhood block parties here in Culver City and fireworks shows in the surrounding area, there are several ways to celebrate within and near our community.”
Fireworks shows in the on the Westside include, Celebrate American at Sant Monica College on June 29, from 4 to 9 p.m. Parking is $5; Marina del Rey Fireworks Celebration, free, starting at 9 p.m. on July 4. This is a 20-minute fireworks show; and the Westchester Fourth of July Parade, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on July 4.