CITY OF COMMERCE AGENDA REPORT
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: City Manager
SUBJECT: 4th of July Programming and Update
MEETING DATE: March 25, 2025
RECOMMENDATION
The Department of Parks & Recreation is recommending that City Council approve the following:
$45,000 -- Addition of a 4-day Carnival.
$65,000 – July 4, 2025 Laser Show
Entertainment / Activities Schedule (Thursday, July 3 – Sunday, July 6, 2025) The Fireworks Show for the Saturday, July 5, 2025, firework show.
BACKGROUND
The City of Commerce takes pride in hosting an annual Independence Day celebration for its residents. Traditionally, the celebration took place on July 4th, accompanied by a multi-day carnival held on July 3rd, 4th, and 5th. However, following the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was reimagined into a family-style picnic focused on community engagement.
The reimagined program, estimated to draw approximately 3,000 attendees throughout the day, featured family-friendly activities such as rock climbing, bounce houses, a cornhole tournament, food vendors, raffles, concerts, and a spectacular fireworks display at 9:00 p.m. The event successfully maintained its community-centered atmosphere while delivering an enjoyable experience for residents and invited guests.
Over the past three years, the carnival component of the event has been scaled back, with an increased focus on creating a community and family-centric celebration.
ANALYSIS
On January 24, 2025, the Parks and Recreation Department presented a report requesting funds of $45,000 for the addition of a 3 day carnival. Discussion surrounding the carnival and a date change for a 4th of July Firework show were discussed.
Direction was given to contact pyrotechnic companies to inquire about hosting a firework show on the 4th of July. In the event they were unable to accommodate the request, staff was directed to schedule the Firework show for Saturday, July 5, 2025, and to also report back as to a potential program for the 4th of July. Below are the pyrotechnic companies that were contacted and their responses:
Pyro Company
Response
Available
Firework Production of Arizona
Only do shows in Arizona
No
Devastating Pyrotechnics
No response after three (3) attempts
No
Zambeli Fireworks
Unavailable on July 4th
No
Pyrotecnicofx
No longer services California
No
The Dancing Fire Entertainment
Unavailable on July 4th
July 3 and 5
Pyro Spectaculars
Unavailable on July 4th
June 28 and July 5
The department researched and contacted six (6) reputable pyrotechnic companies of which a few were unresponsive and others unable to add an additional 4th of July firework show into their schedule.
Despite challenges in securing a pyrotechnic company for July 4th, the Parks and Recreation Department successfully scheduled the Firework Show for July 5, 2025. Additionally, staff has developed a comprehensive four-day event schedule to enhance community participation and engagement in the City’s Independence Day celebrations Below you will find four days of proposed programming, including bands, swimming, Hall of Champions presentation, laser show and a firework show:
The laser light show, if approved, will be an electrifying display of lasers, smoke machines, sparkle fountains, CO2 jets, and streamer blasts that will captivate the audience with vibrant, dynamic visuals. Interactive wristbands will sync with the performance, allowing the crowd to become part of the spectacle as their colors pulse in rhythm with the lights. The smoke machines and CO2 jets will add atmospheric effects, heightening the sense of magic and energy throughout the show and will leave everyone in awe.
If approved, Parks and Recreation staff will move forward with contracts and scheduling of events and activities.
ALTERNATIVES
Approve staff recommendation
Disapprove staff recommendation
Provide further direction to staff
FISCAL IMPACT
If the City Council approves staff’s recommendation, an appropriation of $110,000 needs to be approved to cover the program costs highlighted above. If the allocation is approved, staff will include the funding as part of the Parks and Recreation budget for FY 2025-26.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC GOALS
The agenda item relates to the 2016 Strategic Plan, Community Quality of Life Guiding Principle 4:
Support and evaluate community services, programs and events that promote healthy and quality of lifestyles for our residents. Enhance public safety and social services through innovative programs that meet the needs of the residential and business communities.
Respectfully submitted: Ernie Hernandez, City Manager
Recommended by: Greg Alaniz, Parks and Recreation Director Fiscal Impact reviewed by: Vilko Domic, Assistant City Manager Approved as to form by: Noel Tapia, City Attorney