In a June 13 release, Councilwoman Schipske's office says the July 4th fireworks will return to their traditional venue after the LB Firefighters Memorial Association cited budget reasons for moving the show to July 3rd at Alamitos Bay, ending a 54-year 4th of July ELB tradition.

This year's returning Vet Stadium event will feature concerts by the Long Beach Municipal Band and Rock for Vets. The event will include a special tribute to Long Beach service personal who died in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. The sixteen "Long Beach Home Town Heroes" are honored with memorial banners at Rosie the Riveter Park adjacent to Vets stadium, made possible by the Riveter Foundation.

Councilwoman Schipske says the July 4th event is made possible with private funding. In April 2014, the 5th District Council Office announced that it had secured local business sponsors to rent the stadium and cover the cost of the $25,000 professional pyrotechnic display.

Hosting the event with Councilwomen Schipske's 5th District Office are Partners of Parks (which reserved the stadium), Jet Blue, Lamar Advertising, Long Beach Parks Recreation and Marine and the Long Beach Firefighters Association.

Gates open at 4:30 p.m. with the program beginning at 5:00 p.m. No coolers, food or personal fireworks will be allowed in the stadium. Tailgating, alcohol and RV's are likewise not allowed in the parking lot.

Parking at the stadium is $10 although the event is free. Donations to help cover the costs can be made at the Partner of the Parks website via with a direct link to donate here.