Holiday Fireworks to Cap Off Day of Festivities
Dec 05, 2016 11:46AM ● By Jeanne Fratello
The holiday fireworks and related festivities begin Sunday, December 11, with the SKECHERS Snow Park and Sled Hill opening at 4:00 p.m. in the parking lot by the Manhattan Beach Pier. Participants are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy or cash donation to benefit the YMCA Adventure Guides Toy Drive.
The Santa Float and the Hyperion Outfall Serenaders will also appear at the Manhattan Beach Pier at 4:00 p.m. At 5:00 p.m. the Mira Costa Jazz Ensemble will play, followed by Joe's Band at 6:00 leading a holiday family sing-along.
The Manhattan Beach Holiday Fireworks show will begin at 7:00 p.m., with an extended finale sponsored by Belkin.
The Manhattan Beach Police and Fire Departments will decide when it is safe for the public to spread their blankets in the street for the show later in the evening. The target range is between 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., with public safety being the determining factor. Participants are asked to cooperate with police, and to remember that blanket sizes should be for one party of 10 at most.
Additionally, Pete Moffett, the founder and producer of the fireworks show, urged spectators to remember that the decision to launch the fireworks is made with consideration to the weather at the moment, and that the Manhattan Beach Fire Department makes the determination from the end of the pier on a minute-to-minute basis. He released the following statement:
"As most locals probably remember, the
Holiday Fireworks last year (2015) experienced drizzle most of the
afternoon which turned into high winds and a series of rain squalls
sweeping across the venue and crowd, an especially heavy one about 6:40
or so. So, as rain and winds continued to increase, I had the choice to
launch the show at once or risk not being able to launch at all.
"With so many thousands sitting in the
rain for hours, I decided we could not risk no show at all and decided
to launch at 6:50. The show was the best ever in believe, our fireworks
company is to be commended for their stellar performance under such
hostile conditions. We regret those who planned on 7:00 and did not get
to see the whole show. Not my choice, but I believe unavoidable under
the circumstances.
"We have successfully launched on time for almost 30 years only missing
the published time by minutes in three or so instances in each case the
delay caused by weather. We may face the same issue this or any other
year. Wind and fog are the major elements of concern, rain less so
unless a deluge right at launch time.
"We appreciate the community understanding that Mother Nature plays a huge role!"
Last but not least, the event will necessitate closing streets and rerouting traffic in and around the downtown area. Complete street closures will include:
- Manhattan Beach Boulevard between Pacific Avenue and Ocean Drive;
- Highland Avenue between 9th Street and 15th Street;
- Manhattan Avenue between 9th and 15th Street;
- Ocean Drive between 8th Street and 12th Street.
