BIG BANG ON THE BAY… IS BACK!

By John Grossi

The iconic community firework show over Alamitos Bay is back this year on July 3rd! It’s become a tradition over the last decade for Long Beach residents to gather around the beautiful peninsula, bay, and marina on the eve of July 4th, and take in the patriotic tribute over our local coast. An estimated 125,000 Long Beach residents take pause to enjoy the show each year, in addition to roughly 25,000 viewers from Seal Beach.

“This is a true community event,” says founder John Morris, who also owns Boathouse on the Bay restaurant. “The fireworks are (mostly) paid for by the homeowners who live around the bay and throw parties for the event. The rest of the money is raised through our block party, with all profits over and above costs being donated back to the community.” 

A Community Event That Gives Back To The Community

This year, Eminent Giving Initiative is putting on the entire event and official block party. This organization is a local non-profit that serves as a fundraising conduit for other local non-profits. Founder Shane Hardy specializes in throwing and promoting local events that give back to Long Beach-based non-profits in which he believes. All donations that exceed the event cost, including admission to the official block party, will be distributed to local charities including The Boys and Girls Club of LB, New Life Beginnings, YMCA, ASK Foundation, and more!

The Best Seat In The House

If you don’t already have a tradition for viewing the Big Bang on the Bay, consider attending the Official Block Party along the water, nearest the Boathouse on the Bay restaurant. The $85 ticket not only goes toward local charities and includes dinner from Naples Rib Company, but you will have the best seat in the house for the patriotic flyovers and other aerial shows that happen throughout the evening. The block party starts at 5pm (and remember, it’s July 3rd) with the firework show starting right around sunset.

If you cannot attend the block party but enjoy the event, and would like to donate toward the cause, please visit boathouseonthebay.com/big-bang-on-the-bay.