I have lived in Big Bear since June of 1977. In the ensuing 36 years, I have viewed the annual 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular many times and from many different perspectives. Let me tell you, it has improved greatly over the years! Back in the late 70’s, we had a year that we could actually count the total number of fireworks. I think it was 12 or something close to that. 😦  Last year was probably the best show I’ve seen, with the presentation lasting over 30 minutes. I have heard that this year’s show will be just as amazing!!
I was thinking back today about all the different locations that I have viewed the fireworks from over the years. It is a fairly long and varied list!
- From Meadow Park (swim beach area) – This was our go-to spot when I was a kid. We would have frisbees and squirt guns to keep us occupied until the show started.
- Sitting on a friend’s dock – Some friend’s of my parents invited us over to watch from their dock one year. *One of our homes, FeatherNest, is on the lake w/ a private dock and is still available for the 4th!!
- From a boat on the lake – My grandparents took us out on their boat. Talk about rush hour traffic!! We didn’t get home until almost midnight! But an experience that everyone should try to have at least once! Spectacular!
- From the roof of my parent’s restaurant in the village – As a teenager, my hubby (then boyfriend) and I thought it would be a great view – and it was!! Gave my mom a bit of a heart attack though…
- From our Land Cruiser while 4x4ing in Lightning Meadows (in the forest above the village) – We decided to beat the crowds and see them from afar. A neat perspective!
- From the 2nd story deck of a friend’s house – It’s good to have friends! A great view without having to fight the traffic! *Another of our homes, Eden Mountain Lodge, has a wonderful view from the back deck and is also still available for the 4th!
- Sitting among waist-high weeds (and a lot of bugs!) on the north shore of the lake – We decided to see the show last-minute and this was the only spot available….Just thinking about it makes me itch!
- From our Land Cruiser while 4x4ing in Holcomb Valley – See #5
- From the Alpine Pedal Path – Last year my sister parked her RV in a turnout on the north shore the night before the 4th. The next day, we joined her and spent the whole day there riding bikes and playing games, then had an absolute perfect view for the show. One of the best years ever!
- From the top of Miracle Mile at Snow Summit – Several years ago, my brother (who worked at Summit) took our family up to the top of the slopes where we set up chairs and watched the show. It was amazing! We could barely hear the booms, but the view was breathtaking. My favorite perspective.
There may have been others, but those are the most memorable. Every time I see the show, I am so glad I did. The United States of America may not be perfect, but we do enjoy so many freedoms that others do not and we are a feisty bunch! Watching the show with some patriotic music in the background reminds me how lucky I am to be an American!!
Where is your favorite place to view Big Bear’s Fireworks Show?
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