South Pasadena celebrates Independence Day with 34th annual fireworks show

By Brandon Yung

Staff Writer

Photos by Tiger Staff

Families and community members gathered on the SPHS football field to view the 34th annual Fourth of July fireworks.

The show, which was organized by the Festival of Balloons committee, started with a display of the SPHS marching band, and then the much anticipated performance of South Pasadena The Minutemen, a group with the unlikely origins of a hurried construction before the 1982 fourth of July parade. After musical showcases, South Pasadena senior Lena Gavenas was recognized for earning the Citizen of The Year award.

A shorter firework show was compensated with an emphasis in technicality.

“We [had] a few new tricks up our sleeve,” Martin Smith, the head fireworks coordinator explained.

Smith elaborated that the show had used a brand new firework named “The Dragonfly”, a firework that bisects twice after the initial burst.

The show was able to draw a crowd of nearly 5000 for the patriotic celebration.

“The weather [was] absolutely gorgeous for the show tonight,” Ted Shaw,  Founder and Chairman of the Festival of Balloons committee said, “We as a community will be able to gather and celebrate our nation’s birthday.”

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