Official pushes for July 4th community fireworks show

21 were injured in 2004 mishap at Ellis Lake

It’s been more than a decade since Yuba-sutter has organized a big Fourth of July fireworks show for the community. Understandably so, considering the last major event in 2004 resulted in 21 people suffering injuries – most notably a 14-year-old girl losing part of her leg – when a shell landed in a crowded area near Ellis Lake before exploding.

And it wouldn’t be that much of a stretch to think some locals still feel apprehensive in allowing such an event to occur in the area again, but one Yuba-sutter official is hoping to replace those past horrors with new beginnings.

“It’s all about community spirit, and having something to do for locals,” said Mike Leahy, a Yuba County supervisor. “Basically, our Yubasutter community needs a victory. We need those small victories to get in the right spirit moving forward.”

It’s just a concept right now, Leahy said, but more concrete details could be available by the end of March. He first brought the idea up last year, but because of the prolonged high-water levels in the Feather River, it petered out.

The idea is to possibly close off the Beckwourth Riverfront Park Complex near Cotton Rosser Pavilion. From there, the fireworks would be fired from a secured location near the Feather River. The public would be able to watch the show either from the levees, from designated viewing locations throughout the area or from their homes.

“No contract has been The Marysville Gold Sox regularly host a fireworks show after one of their games around the Fourth of July, but a large community display on the holiday hasn’t happened since 2004.

signed or anything like that, so it could go south, but we are hoping it will happen,” Leahy said.

His vision also includes incorporating things like live music into the mix to see the event grow in subsequent years.

Leahy plans on presenting his idea to the Yuba Sutter Arts board of directors at an upcoming meeting to see if it would be willing to help organize the event. He said he approached the art council because it’s been involved in past firework events put on in the area.

“The board is discussing it, and the plan will be presented, likely as an action item, at

our March 28 meeting,” said David Read, executive director of Yuba Sutter Arts.

If Leahy and others get the go-ahead, the next step would include rounding up funding sources. Leahy said initial estimates put the cost at about $35,000. Leahy said anyone interested in getting involved or potentially sponsoring the event should contact him at mleahy@co.yuba.ca.us.

“I think it would be great for the community. It would be something for everyone to enjoy,” said Marysville Mayor Ricky Samayoa. “We don’t have one big community event or anything like that for July 4, so I root for Mike leading the effort.”