Fire in the Sky event set to return in September
The popular event will be held during Labor Day weekend
City officials confirmed to the Sentinel that the popular Watsonville Airport event and fireworks show — Fire in the Sky — will return this year. The yearly event, normally held on the Fourth of July, is set to be held during Labor Day weekend on Sept. 4.
“I think people are ready for this, they’re ready to be back to our new normal, and I’m so happy its coming back,” Watsonville Mayor Jimmy Dutra said.
The Watsonville Airport open house includes antique planes on displays, flyovers, parachute landings, and the most-popular aspect of the event — a firework show. Dutra said the event is planned for September to allow for extra planning time and to ensure the event is as safe-aspossible.
“My hope is really that this event will be a time for us to celebrate our resilience as a community for getting through these tough times, and a looking forward of more positive things to come,” City Manager Matt Huffaker said.
Annually, 5,000 to 8,000 attend the Watsonville event. Last July, the city and airport were unable to host the celebration as a result of the pandemic. Huffaker said this year’s gathering will look a little different, and that the airport gives officials space to implement safety protocols.
“We’re anticipating that the event will need to have some modifications, due to the environment we’re operating under,” Huffaker said. “First and foremost, we’ll be needing to create a lot of space in the fields, allowing for families to socially distance. Part of logistical considerations include creating a layout that would allow for this amount of community members to come together,
but that doesn’t put anyone at risk.”
Huffaker said he foresees a large numbers of residents attending the gathering.
“We are anticipating strong participation, especially in light of the fact that our community hasn’t had the opportunity to participate in many of these events for over a year now. We do expect there will be similar numbers compared to what we’ve seen in the past, and perhaps even more,” Huffaker said.
It’s still early though. Huffaker cautioned that
the event would only be held if it could be done so, safely, adhering to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and County Public Health Division guidelines.
“Our priority is going to be ensuring the safety of the public in participation at the event, and my caveat throughout this year, is all plans are subject to change, based on COVID trends. If there are any major shifts or changes in directions we may have to revaluate if and how we’re going to be able to hold the event,” Huffaker said.