Big-time fireworks show set for Oroville

A size ‘never been shot off in Butte County before’ to reach 1K feet

OROVILLE » This year’s Rotary of Oroville July 4 fireworks display will have the largest pyrotechnics display in the event’s history.

“Typically the largest shells we’ve had are the 4- and 6-inch. They shoot to about the 500-foot level. This year there will be two 10-inch shells set off, maybe more. As far as I know shells of this size have never been shot off in Butte County before so the finale will be different than it has been because these shells shoot over 1,000 feet,” said Dave Pittman, Rotary firework’s chair.

What makes it possible to display such large fireworks is that the launch site has been moved from the Thermalito North Forebay to the Oroville Municipal Airport. The show will start 30 minutes after sunset.

To maintain public safety during the pandemic, there will not be a centralized viewing area anywhere, including at the airport, for this year’s event. Instead, Rotarians are urging folks to enjoy the display from their yards if possible, or higher locations throughout the city and surrounding area while respecting private property.

Riverbend Park and the Nelson Avenue Sports Complex will be open for tailgate viewing. The Clay Pits and Rabe Road Shooting Range will not be open for fireworks viewing.

The North and South Forebays will be open from 8:00 am to sunset. These areas will not be available for fireworks viewing.

The Afterbay will be open during normal hours, 1 ½ hours before sunrise and one hour after sunset. It is anticipated a large number of boats may be on the Afterbay after sunset on the

fourth so boat speed will be restricted to 5 mph.

The Larkin Road boat ramp will only be available for car-top launching.

The Oroville Dam Spillway Boat Ramp will be open from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. with other Lake Oroville State Recreation Area boat ramps open 24/7. The fireworks will not be visible from Lake Oroville.

“The topography in Thermalito means the display will be visible from the foothills, forebay, afterbay, as well as higher elevations within the city. What we’re hoping is that folks will pick up dinner to go at one of their favorite local restaurants and find a

safe, secure and legal place to watch and enjoy the evening,” said Pittman.

For those who wish to avoid being in public but don’t want to miss the event, Pittman said the Oroville Chamber of Commerce will be live streaming the event on its Facebook page.

Pilots from Cheap Suits, a Yuba City flying club, will do a flyover at 7:00 p.m. prior to the event. The club members fly high drag, low speed airplanes such as Piper Cubs and Colts.

“There will also be a fly over by a sheriff’s department helicopter. We’re hoping it will be their new one,” said Pittman.

To host this year’s show Rotary needed to raise

$15,000. Businesses and private citizens donated $10 to $5,000 and all told the donations exceeded $23,000.

“The level of excitement about this year’s show is really great. The community support is just really there. So many people are happy to have the show at the airport. The weather is supposed to be good, a light Delta breeze, perfect for the evening,” said Pittman.

Should a Red Flag warning be issued for July 4, the fireworks display will be cancelled.

For further information and event updates visit: www.visitoroville.com and https://www.facebook.com/ LakeOrovilleFireworks/