Arcadia’s annual Patriotic Festival & Fireworks set for Saturday

The annual Patriotic Festival & Fireworks is set for Saturday, the Downtown Arcadia Improvement Association announced.

The free event will take place 5 to 9:30 p.m. on First Avenue between Huntington Drive and Diamond Street.

“Everyone is invited to come and experience the patriotic spirit of Independence Day in the heart of Arcadia … with family fun, delicious food, amazing live music and an incredible fireworks display!” Mayor April Verlato said in a statement.

The event will have a variety of food and drinks, unique vendors and free fun activities for children including a water balloon park, carnival fun zone and interactive games. 

The evening’s highlight and grand finale is an elaborate fireworks display at 9 p.m.

Attendees will have a chance to win these prizes during the Big Give Away at 7 p.m.: Taylor Dayne concert tickets for a show in September at the Arcadia Performing Arts Center, patio swing chairs, REI bikes, behind-home-plate Dodgers tickets or a Mélange restaurant gift card. Online registration for the giveaways is at arcadiadt.com.

“This year’s Patriotic Festival & Fireworks promises to be our best yet,” Peter Amundson, chair of the event, said in a statement. “We invite you to celebrate our great country in Downtown Arcadia. It will be an evening filled with amazing food, entertainment, and a longer, spectacular, fireworks display.”

Organizers suggested attendees arrive early in order to enjoy all the festivities. The city provided this festival itinerary:

• Parking can be found on Wheeler Avenue, between Santa Anita Drive and First Avenue
• Noon – Road closure starts on First Avenue
• 5 p.m. – Event begins
• 5:30 p.m. – Mini walking parade from Huntington Drive to First Avenue Middle School
• 5-8 p.m. – Carnival Game Zone
• 5:45-8:30 p.m. – Performances by Neighborhood Music School
• 5-9 p.m. – DJ John Villa at the First Avenue Middle School Stage
• 7 p.m. – BIG GIVE AWAY at the First Avenue Middle School Stage
• 9 p.m. – Announcements and fireworks at First Avenue Middle School

The city reminded area residents that personal fireworks, including those labeled “safe and sane,” are illegal in Arcadia.

“Anyone caught using, selling, or possessing fireworks within the city can be fined $2,500 per violation,” officials said. “In 2022, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported 10,200 fireworks-related injuries. The Arcadia Fire Department encourages the community to have fun and remain safe by leaving fireworks to the professionals.”

The festival is sponsored by the Downtown Arcadia Improvement Association and the city.

Updated June 26, 2024, 10:44 a.m.

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