Photo right: July 4, 2008

In a release on Wednesday (April 2), Councilwoman Schipske says the arrangement keeps a promise she made to residents after the LB Firefighters Memorial Association cancelled its 54 year tradition in 2012, moving the fireworks show to Alamitos Bay on July 3rd. (The charitable group cited increasing costs and the habit of some people to watch from neighborhoods instead of paying at the gate, thus undermining the Firefighters Memorial Ass'n charitable fundraising goals.) (Photo right: July 4, 2008)

Councilwoman Schipske says she has arranged to have the ELB July 4th fireworks show return to Veterans stadium thanks to $25,000 from a local business (unnamed in her release) to pay for the professional pyrotechnic display and to rent the stadium.

In a release, Councilwoman Schipske said, "I am so excited that we are bringing fireworks back to east Long Beach. This has been a long tradition and one of the few events unique to our side of town."

Councilwoman Schipske added that, as in other major cities, having a band play patriotic music before and during the show would add to the event...and said she is "working with the Long Beach Municipal Band and Partners of Parks to coordinate the effort." The release said she's also planning to include Honoring our Fallen and Rock for Vets in a tribute to the men and women who serve in the military and their familie

Vets Stadium is adjacent to Rosie the Riveter Park and Interpretive Center, created by Councilwoman Schipske using privately raised funds, which includes a military memorial and banners displaying the names of fifteen Long Beach Hometown Heroes who perished in military service in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Councilwoman Schipske encouraged residents who'd like to volunteer to help put the July 4th event together to contact Haley in her Council office at (562) 570-6932.

Councilwoman Schipske, now completing her second Council term (which ends on July 14 at 11:59 p.m.) is one of several candidates now running for Mayor.