Tag: July 4th

July 4th Wrap-Up

Posted by | Friday, July 11, 2014 | , |

Big Bear Lake, CA, July 10, 2014 – The lake level is about 9 1/2 feet down this week, and according to the Municipal Water District, the number of boats on the water was down over July 4th, compared to past years. Despite Independence Day falling on a Friday, there were only 349 vessels counted after 3pm. By comparison, there were 996 counted on July 4th in 1996 and 1,000 in 2009. The rest of the 2014 holiday weekend showed the same trend, with 364 boats on Saturday and 322 on Sunday. But the low numbers might have contributed to the good safety record over the three-day period: there were no citations or accidents. Mike Stephenson, Interim General Manager at the MWD through October, said, “As long as no one gets hurt we feel like we had a successful weekend. And if vacationers weren’t making it out to the lake in droves, there were still plenty of them in the valley. Rebecca Hrabia of the Big Bear Visitors Bureau reports that the 800-900 units of available lodging were sold out, and that their website continued its average annual gain of 10%....

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Play it Safe on Big Bear Lake

Posted by | Saturday, July 6, 2013 | , , |

Big Bear Lake, CA, July 6, 2013 – Boaters are reminded to use extra caution on the water this weekend. More boating accidents occur during the July 4th holiday than any other time, and the number one cause is boat operators not paying enough attention. Consider designating a second person on board to help look out for other watercraft, obstacles, or people in the water. Here are some more tips to help keep you safe on Big Bear Lake: Steer to the right when approaching another vessel head on, and remember that in a crossing situation involving two power boats, the boater on the right has the right-of-way. Carry a properly-fitted life jacket for each person on board. The following people are legally required to wear life jackets: Children under the age of 13, personal watercraft riders, paddle-boarders, and anyone being towed behind a boat. Use water ski flags properly when skiers, wakeboarders or tubers are down. And lastly, don’t drink too much alcohol. Intoxicated passengers can fall overboard or cause the vessel to capsize. For more safety tips and boating laws, visit...

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Personal Fireworks Are Not Worth the Risk

Posted by | Thursday, July 4, 2013 | , , |

Big Bear Lake, CA, July 4, 2013 – With San Bernardino County facing a dangerous wildland fire season, fire officials will be issuing citations for the illegal use of fireworks, with fines up to $1,250 for the first offense. Possession of any type of fireworks, including the so-called “safe and sane” fireworks, is against the law throughout the Big Bear Valley. Property owners may even be cited if they allow fireworks to be possessed, stored or used on their property. The National Fire Protection Association warns that on a typical 4th of July, fireworks cause more fires in the U.S. than all other causes combined. Fireworks also cause fatalities, blindness, and maiming injuries to children and adults every year. In the event a fire occurs due to the use of fireworks, the responsible persons are likely to face criminal charges and be held liable for damages. Luckily, there is no reason to risk fines and injuries; watch the skies over Big Bear on July 4th for one of the best displays in the region, and tune in to 93.3 FM for synchronized...

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Fireworks Committee Promises Largest Show Ever

Posted by | Friday, June 28, 2013 | , , , |

Big Bear Lake, CA, June 28, 2013 – Thousands of people line the shores of Big Bear Lake each year to view one of the largest and most elaborate fireworks displays put on in Southern California. This year, the annual July 4th celebration will add 10% more fireworks, including some pyrotechnics never before seen locally.  KBHR 93.3 FM will continue its long tradition of broadcasting synchronized patriotic music. The show begins at dark, usually right around nine o’clock. Fireworks are shot off from the middle of the lake from a large barge, prepared and manned by Rotarians, volunteers from throughout the region, and a crew from the largest fireworks company on the West Coast, Pyro Spectaculars. The extravaganza is once again designed by Skip Suhay, underwritten by the City of Big Bear Lake and supported with donations from many local businesses and individuals. Additional fireworks are shot off from a smaller barge on the lakefront near Marina Resort as a special treat for those at the Rotary Fireworks and Barbecue. This year’s restaurants are Barnstorm Restaurant and Red Baron Pizzeria, who will serve dinner between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.  A $25 ticket buys a steak or chicken meal and entry to the Marina viewing area for the lakefront fireworks display.  The $20 ticket buys a hamburger or hot dog meal and entry to the viewing area.  All meal tickets include salad and...

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