Torrance, known for its colossal displays of patriotism, will again set off Fourth of July fireworks from its Civic Center this year.
The 25-minute show will begin at 9 p.m. on Monday, July 4, with a soundtrack synched to the 1,220 shells being fired.
Torrance moved its annual fireworks display from Wilson Park to the Civic Center in 2016 to save money. The scaled-down version was cancelled in 2020, as were other large-scale events, because of the coronavirus pandemic, but officials brought it back last year.
The Fourth of July display, however, was at risk of being cancelled again this year as city officials mulled whether it was fiscally responsible, given the town’s dire financial situation.
But, in March,the City Council OK’d the Civic Center pyrotechnics, saying the estimated $105,000 cost was a small price to pay to continue the tradition and to do something nice for residents.
The town, meanwhile, went without its beloved Armed Forces Day Parade for the third consecutive year. The May weekend of events, dubbed the nation’s longest-running, city-sponsored military procession, has an annual price tag double that of the fireworks, at more than $200,000.
There are two viewing locations for Torrance fireworks: the LA Galaxy Sports Complex, 555 Maple Ave., and the west parking lot of the LA County Court House, 825 Maple Ave. Attendance at both locations is on a first-come, first-served basis as spots are limited.
The Galaxy complex will open to spectators at 7:30 p.m. and will close about 30 minutes after the show is over. Bring a blanket or a beach chair to sit on the field’s artificial turf.
In addition to “safe and sane” fireworks, which are illegal in Torrance, the following items are prohibited at both locations: Food, tobacco products, open flames, folding chairs with straight legs or spikes, bicycles, canopies, glass containers or aluminum cans.
There will be street closures in the area beginning at 8:30 p.m., including at:
- Maple Avenue between Torrance Boulevard and California Street.
- Civic Center Drive between Madrona and Maple avenues.
- Felbar, Fonthill, Kornblum, Teri, Cranbrook and Hickory avenues will be open to residents only.
Madrona Avenue will be closed between Torrance Boulevard and Emerald Street beginning at 8:45 p.m.
Here’s a map of the area showing viewing and parking areas and street closures.
And, if you’re not a fan of angling for parking or a viewing spot, you can watch from the comfort of your home on Spectrum channel 3, on Frontier FiOS channel 31, at YouTube.com/TorranceCitiCABLE and at TorranceCA.Gov/CABLE.
