By Mike Hazlip—
The city’s first-ever “Stars & Stripes” festivities and fireworks display drew thousands to Van Maren Park for a July 1 show.
Food trucks lined Stock Ranch Road while a live band played from a stage set up near the roundabout that connects Stock Ranch Road, Woodside Drive, and Fountain Square Drive. The streets were closed to vehicle traffic as revelers with families and children gathered in an open grass area with chairs and blankets.
The tribute band CC Seger performed live followed by the fireworks display.
In an email newsletter on July 6, the city said triple-digit heat didn’t prevent attendees from coming out to set up lawn chairs and blankets at the park to enjoy music, food and the fireworks show. A Kids Zone was also set up with face painting and other arts and crafts for children.
The City Council in January voted 3-2 to approve the use of up to $80,000 in American Rescue Plan Act pandemic relief funds to be spent on the event, with costs going to cover traffic control, fireworks, performances and other related costs.
