Simi fireworks display will be largest to date
By Eliav Appelbaum eliav@theacorn.com

The Rotary Club of Simi Valley is making sure tonight's 38th annual Fourth of July Festival and Fireworks Extravaganza at Rancho Santa Susana Park will be the best in the city's history. Gates open at 3 p.m., with entertainment starting at 3:30 p.m. Fireworks will begin about 9:20 p.m. and continue for 20 to 25 minutes.

The fireworks show will be 30 percent bigger than last year's pyrotechnics, and they will be seen from the sky throughout the city, said Rotarian Tonie Valdez, co-chair of the event.

"It's going to be the biggest one we've ever done. I'm really excited about that," said Scott Santino, immediate past president of the noontime club.

Valdez said the entire event will cost almost $90,000, but the city and Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District made significant contributions.

Last year, 8,000 to 10,000 attended the extravaganza. Santino is anticipating 10,000 to 12,000 people will show up at tonight's festivities.

"I expect a bigger crowd because of rising gas prices," Santino said. "People are doing less traveling. We have extra bathroom facilities, extra food and beverage vendors- the whole nine yards- to accommodate the extra people."

Valdez wasn't sure what to expect this year.

In the past when the Fourth of July fell on a long weekend, the fireworks event generally attracted smaller numbers.

"That has been one of our biggest mysteries," Valdez said. "We're hoping that trend will change. We won't know until (today.)"

Several logistical changes will be implemented at this year's event, the third held at Santa Susana Park, 5005 Los Angeles Ave.

Shuttle service has been discontinued due to safety and traffic concerns.

The Rotarians will provide additional lighting in the northeast corner of the park as people exit. And less fencing will be used around the park. Valdez said many people, unaware that the event is free, jumped the fence in the past because they wanted to avoid paying an entrance fee.

The viewing area, a grassy expanse of land north of the baseball fields, will have more vendors this year as well as additional restrooms.

The park's layout has also been expanded to comfortably accommodate a bigger crowd.

Parking will be available at Simi Valley High School and on Los Angeles Avenue, east of Stearns Street.

Handicapped parking at Santa Susana usually gets filled up early, Valdez said.

The Rotary Club discourages revelers from parking at the Albertsons shopping center on Los Angeles Avenue and Stearns Street.

Everyone's hoping for a crowd-pleasing event.

"The weather's supposed to be great, too," said Rotary president Gregg Burt. "It's supposed to be a beautiful, incredible day. It's always been a great event, but it should be bigger and better."