Independence Day fireworks to return to Turlock university campus

The Stanislaus County Fairground is a great spot for a lot of events – fundraisers, rock shows and, of course, the annual fair.

For the past five years, the fairground also has hosted Turlock’s Fourth of July fireworks display after officials at California State University, Stanislaus, opted out of taking part. The university had hosted the show for 24 years until it fell victim to systemwide budget cuts.

A lot of folks adjusted to the new venue. “We had 20,000 people out there last year,” said Sharon Silva, president and CEO of the Turlock Chamber of Commerce.

But there remained a desire to bring the show home, so to speak. The campus, with its amphitheater and grassy areas, is a better fit for picnicking and letting children run around and play.

Tuesday, Silva and Stanislaus State President Joe Sheley announced that the university again would host the fireworks show, as well as activities for children and families.

“We’re very happy to be partnering with the chamber to bring this tradition back to campus,” Sheley said in a news release. “We’ll be celebrating our nation’s history while at the same time providing the community a great place to have fun. In the past, we’ve referred to ourselves as a hidden gem. With this event and others like it, I think you can get rid of ‘hidden.’ In still challenging budget times, we are committed to showing the community that this is their university.”

He also sees the event as a marketing opportunity for the campus. “Young people who grew up in this area but went away for college have told me they wish they’d seen the university for themselves before they made their decision,” Sheley said. “We want them to think of us as a destination campus.”

Silva said the chamber will continue to sponsor the annual Fourth of July parade, which will take place that morning on Main Street. She said organizers considered moving the parade out near the campus, but decided it belongs downtown.

“It has such a nice feel to it,” Silva said. Shops and restaurants along the street also can take advantage of the crowds that converge for the parade. Activities at the university will get underway at 4 p.m., so the two events won’t conflict.

The event will include the best of what’s developed over the years at the fairground, including the activities area sponsored by the city, music and food vendors. It will culminate with the fireworks show about 9 p.m., Silva said.

Though in the past, alcoholic drinks were available for purchase, that won’t be the case this year. And that’s probably fine with most attendees. “We sold it at one point, but people didn’t really buy it,” Silva said. “They want ice cream cones.”

Organizers also are working to address a concern that cropped up as the campus – and its many trees – grew up over the years.

“We’re talking about making all the fireworks high so they can be seen from all over,” Silva said. “We’re going to be pushing that.”

This story was originally published January 6, 2015 at 1:34 PM with the headline "Independence Day fireworks to return to Turlock university campus."