Fortuna Fireworks Festival
Celebrate Independence Day a little early in Friendly Fortuna with some family fun, a BBQ, music and fireworks from 5:30 to 10:30 pm on July 3, in Newburg Park.
The Fortuna Community has come together to offer something you don't get every day. An evening full of low cost Family Fun at this year’s seventh annual Fortuna Fireworks Festival. With generous donations from service clubs, businesses and individuals, Fortuna invites the public to celebrate Independence Day with entertainment and kids’ activities without the usual festival price tag.
The festival is free to attend. Fireworks will start at dark. Parking is available on Rohnerville Road just past Newburg Park in the McLean Field. The fireworks festival is requesting a $5 donation to help with the cost of the fireworks, but no one will be turned away if they choose not to donate. Because of the festivities, there will be no general parking in the Newburg Parking lot. Handicap parking is available in both the McLean lot as well as along the fence line behind EPT. Everyone is encouraged to bring your own chairs or blanket, or sit in the bleachers. Feel free to bring your own legal fireworks, but for everyone’s safety, please no lighting them on any grass areas.
All kids wanting to enjoy the entertainment must be accompanied by an adult and have a parent or guardian sign a liability waiver in exchange for a $5 wristband that allows unlimited activities from 5:30 to 8:30 pm.
Wrist band activities will include 8 bounce houses; a rock climbing wall, Shriners clowns and balloon art, a baby animal petting zoo for the little ones and Nature Joe will have a reptile petting zoo with all things creepy & crawly for those more adventurous. We will also have old fashion potato sack races, tug of war and a kid’s ice cream eating contest. The Fortuna Fire Department will again be hosting the popular kids Firemen style challenges on the grass. New this year, for an additional charge, a dunk tank with surprise guests will be available to keep kids of all ages busy. Tah-Dah productions will be back spinning tunes throughout the event, then after dark falls it’s time for a light show that kicks off the biggest out door dance party on the coast to entertain the crowd before the fireworks.
The Annual apple pie eating contest will start at 7 pm. Fortuna businesses, service clubs and community groups will have an opportunity to sign up a representative to go head to head for the title and trophy. Various groups will also be by selling light up jewelry and novelties as well as sweet treats like cotton candy, ice cream, fresh made mini donuts, shaved ice and popcorn.
A Family BBQ from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm will be put on by the Native Sons of the Golden West with a portion of the proceeds going to cover the cost of the fireworks show and kids’ activities. This year’s menu will include tender seasoned Tri-Tip or barbecued chicken plates with potato salad, watermelon, corn on the cob and a dinner roll and will be available for $10 each. Kids can enjoy a hot dog plate with chips and watermelon for $5. Make your dinner plans now and help support the event. Hot chocolate, coffee, chips, candy and other snacks will also be available through the end of the Fireworks show for purchase at the Babe Ruth Snack Shack.
Donations are still needed to cover the cost of the event. Please make checks payable to FFF and mail to PO Box 491 Fortuna, CA 95540. All businesses donating $250 or more can drop off a banner at Wendt Construction that will be placed on the Newburg Park fence as a sponsor the week before the event.
This is a family friendly event so please leave your pets and alcohol at home. For more information please email fortunafireworks@gmail.com or visit us on Facebook!
DATES/TIMES
WHERE
PRICE
