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Fireworks July 4 in Apache Junction, Queen Creek and Mesa

Posted 6/28/20

Celebrate Independence Day with loud reports and bright streaks of light as fireworks are shot off in Apache Junction, Queen Creek and Mesa on July 4.

Fireworks in Apache Junction

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Fireworks July 4 in Apache Junction, Queen Creek and Mesa

Posted

Celebrate Independence Day with loud reports and bright streaks of light as fireworks are shot off in Apache Junction, Queen Creek and Mesa on July 4.

Fireworks in Apache Junction

Because of COVID-19 restrictions in place, including limiting gatherings of people, watching the fireworks with throngs of people at Davis Field at the Apache Junction High School in Apache Junction will not be possible this year. Instead, the viewing will be from backyards, from vehicles drive-in-style at select locations nearby or on a live stream on social media with the Apache Junction Parks and Recreation Department, such as on Facebook @ajparksandrec.

The fireworks start at 8:30 p.m. July 4 and will be shot off at Superstition Shadows Park, 1091 W. Southern Ave.

“As usual, the fireworks show will be contingent on weather and fire safety in the nearby area. We encourage everyone to view from home with family and friends,” according to a release.

“We plan to have a show that is vertical, with no ground displays and can be viewed throughout most of the community.... In addition we will celebrate Independence Day with various entertaining posts, videos and things to do via social media sites,” it states.

A list of limited viewing locations near Superstition Shadows Park where residents can view from their vehicle, drive-in style, will be available the week of the event. Email ajpr@ajcity.net or call 480-983-2181.

Republic Services is sponsoring the fireworks display. Event supporters include the Apache Junction Police Department, Apache Junction Unified School District, and the Superstition Fire and Medical District.

“With regards to the fireworks show, I do have responsibility of approval. The annual location used at the high school is a safe area for the fireworks show,” Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal Richard Ochs, SFMD’s public information officer, said. “Gusty winds would likely be the only reason to cancel the show from a safety standpoint.”

The fire district posts a crew at the event to provide for added safety, he said.

“Additionally, we will have a state fire crew assisting, unless they are assigned to a fire on this particular day. The show is managed by a state-certified pyrotechnic company who must operate under strict guidelines. And, the fire district provides a final inspection just prior to the show’s commencement,” Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal Ochs said.

In addition to fireworks, Apache Junction Parks and Recreation Department will be offering residents rec packs that will be available at the Apache Junction Multi-generational Center, 1035 N. Idaho Road, on Thursday and Friday, July 2-3. The rec packs --- one per family --- will be filled with fun Fourth of July activities and games, and are free to the first 100 families.

For more information, go to ajcity.net/events.

Celebration in Queen Creek

Food trucks, fun and fireworks are planned at the 4-9 p.m. July 4 Schnepf Farms celebration at 24810 E. Rittenhouse Road.

This year’s classic local event is to feature live music, a national flag service, craft vendors, food trucks, a beer and wine bar, and a 30-minute fireworks show to end the night. Fireworks are 8:30-9 p.m., according to the website at schnepffarms.com.

The general admission parking pass is on sale for $25 per car load. A VIP pass is available for $65 a person to hang out in the air-conditioned Big Red Barn with a catered dinner, private beer and wine cash bar, exclusive entrance and parking lot, music, caricature artist, and access to front-row seating during the 30-minute fireworks display.

All tickets for the event must be pre-purchased online at https://schnepffarms.com. There will be no tickets available for purchase at the gate, according to the website.

Parking passes are purchased by time slot to help alleviate traffic and wait times for parking, it states.

There are additional costs for sales at the vendor marketplace, food trucks, and at the beer and wine garden.

“The main change we are implementing to adjust for COVID is that we are selling less tickets and dropping the capacities down to mitigate the crowds. We are also selling tickets online only. There will be no sales on-site to reduce contact with our staff and guests,” a Schnepf Farms official said.

“There is plenty of space in our large 20-acre field for folks to spread out and space apart from each other. Masks are recommended but not required,” they said.

Mesa event a drive-in fireworks show

Due to an abundance of caution while maintaining social-distancing guidelines, the 11th Titan Solar Power Arizona Celebration of Freedom becomes a drive-in fireworks show this year.

The free Independence Day celebration 9-9:30 p.m. July 4 will take place in the parking lot of Fiesta Mall, 1425 W. Southern Ave., in Mesa.

The fireworks will be displayed while patriotic music is played on a radio station you can tune in and enjoy.

Traditionally, the Titan Solar Power Arizona Celebration of Freedom is a four-hour event on July 4 at the Mesa Convention Center and Mesa Amphitheatre, Kevin Christopher, Mesa senior public information and communications specialist, said.

“The free festival includes live music, patriotic displays, Revolutionary War reenactments, fun family activities and it’s capped off with the fireworks,” he said of previous years.

“This year, due to the pandemic and the need for social distancing, the event is a drive-in fireworks show in the Fiesta Mall parking lot from 9 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. You can either stay in your car to view the fireworks, or stand or sit outside your vehicle and enjoy patriotic music you can listen to on 94.5 KOOL-FM,” Mr. Christopher said.

Watch for details closer to the event at azcelebrationoffreedom.org.