Fireworks, fly-in highlights of Oroville’s Independence Day celebrations
OROVILLE » Independence Day will be commemorated with family-friendly events including a concert, a fly-in and fireworks.
State Theatre Concerts
To kick off the Fourth of July celebrations, the State Theatre at 1489 Myers St. is presenting two performances of the “Unique Sounds of America” by the Oroville Community Concert Band and Oroville Community Chorus on July 2 and 3.
The chorus will open the concert with four songs including “the Star Spangled Banner” and “A Tribute to the Armed Services.”
Following the chorus, the band will perform a dozen pieces including “Stars and Stripes Forever,” “America the Beautiful” and a “Tribute to Jack Webb,” which includes “iconic music from the ‘Dragnet,’ ‘Adam 12’ and ‘Emergency’ TV shows,” said Bob Schofield, band conductor.
“Instead of just doing straight patriotic songs which can be done to death, we thought we’d do a mix of different kinds of American-type music. For example, we’ll be doing highlights from ‘Annie’ to represent Broadway and ‘New York 1927’ which is a fun piece in three sections including one called ‘Manhattan Mayhem,’” said Schofield.
The performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. July 2 and 2 p.m. July 3. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for high school students and free for children. Tickets may be purchased at Marcozzi Jewelers, 1511 Myers St.; Stifel Nicholas, 1891 Robinson St.; Comer’s Print Shop, 2008 Lincoln St.; Oroville Chamber of Commerce, 1789 Montgomery St.; or online at www.occb@live.com through PayPal (PayPal account not required).
Fourth of July Fly-In
Before the skies over the Oroville Municipal Airport light up with fireworks, the airport will be a busy place on July 4 when pilots from all over California will fly in for a half-day of food, fun, show and tell, rides and demonstrations. There will also be a custom car and motorcycle show at the event.
The Oroville Chamber of Commerce Fly-In, 225 Chuck Yeager Way, will be open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is free to the public. Food and beverages from various vendors starting with a pancake breakfast will be available for purchase throughout the event.
Information booths on local services as well as retail vendors selling homemade crafts, pre-packaged food items and clothing will also be at the event.
“Last year we had about 1,500 attendees. Sweetwater Shaved Ice, which is very popular, will be back this year and we have a new vendor selling taffy including Fourth of July themed taffy. With all the activities and vendors, there’s something for everyone,” said Amber Miland, chamber communications director.
The fly-in will feature remote controlled aircraft flying demonstrations. Adventure Flights out of Lincoln will be bringing in its Beech 18, T-6 and possibly a bi-plane to give rides until 4 p.m. that day. Prices for rides will be posted at the aircraft on site. Cal Fire will be also be on site showing off the S-2T air tanker and OV-10 spotter plane if the craft are not needed on a fire location.
“This event is becoming an Oroville favorite and a great use of our facilities out there. It was a real hit last year as people
got to see so many planes up close especially the Cal Fire planes. It was just a great opportunity for people to meet the pilots of those aircraft that keep us all safe,” said Eric Smith, chamber CEO.
Rotary Fireworks
The Oroville Rotary Club Fireworks Show will once again ignite at Oroville Municipal Airport, 225 Chuck Yeager Way, at approximately 9 p.m. on Independence Day with simulcast patriotic music streaming on https:// www.facebook.com/OrovilleChamberCa.
Community donations make this $15,000 pyrotechnic display possible.
“Rotary is tickled to death that so many people,
businesses and families wanted to have a family fun night for the Fourth of July that they donated money to make it happen. We are grateful to all our donors. It’s a community event paid for by the community. We’re very proud of this community. We don’t know of any other community that pays for displays of this caliber through community donations,” said Dave Pittman, Rotary fireworks chair.
The airport facility will be closed to the public for the event. The public is encouraged to enjoy the display from home, if possible, or higher locations throughout the city and foothills while respecting private property.
The display will be visible
from the Forebay and Afterbay and the Nelson Avenue Sports Complex will be open for tailgate viewing. Viewing is also available at Table Mountain Golf Course, 2700 Oro Dam Blvd. West, for a $10 per person fee. Tickets, which include a hot dog, bag of chips and seating on the golf course, should be purchased in advance by calling 530-533-3922.
“It’s a celebration that thousands of people throughout Oroville enjoy because we chose the airport so the display is visible from all neighborhoods throughout Oroville,” said Pittman.
The Rotary fireworks display is held in collaboration with the Oroville Chamber of Commerce, the city of Oroville and Explore Butte County. Other agencies, organizations and businesses that provide support for the annual event include: California Department of Water Resources, California Highway Patrol, Oroville Fire and Police departments, Butte County Sheriff’s Office, Cal Fire-Butte County, California State Parks, Feather River Recreation and Park District, Butte County STARS, Table Mountain Aviation and Table Mountain Golf Association.