Long Beach crowds enjoy ‘Big Bang’ fireworks, but event’s future not so clear

More than 600 people enjoyed a clear view of over-the-water fireworks at this year’s Big Bang on the Bay on Sunday, Sept. 1. What is not as clear is the future of the block party and pyrotechnic show itself, which until this year had become a Long Beach July 3 tradition.

Set to light up the sky this Labor Day weekend instead of its usual Independence Day eve slot, the annual colorful spectacle that began in 2011 has been muddled by concerns about its effect on the environment and public beach access.

While this year’s Big Bang inspired a different vibe, restaurateur John Morris, founder of the charity event, aid the reshuffle didn’t  change the main element of the event.

“This is a unifying event, and we’re helping the kids of Long Beach,” he said. “I wouldn’t be doing this if the community isn’t behind us.”

Lexie Montoya of Long Beach staked out her beach chair at marina’s edge hours before the 18-minute fireworks show. She paid $75 to enjoy dinner at the block party with a picture perfect view of the fireworks show over Alamitos Bay.

“This is my second time here, and the fireworks are my favorite part, “Montoya said.

She and her friend Liz Ramirez, also of Long Beach spent the afternoon watching kayakers and boaters on the water before taking in paragliders and a helicopter flyover.

Many in the crowd wore red, white and blue outfits and patriotic accessories. Both said they see no harm in leaving the pyrotechnics to the professionals.

“As long as they’re in compliance, I don’t have any complaints,” Montoya said.

The California Coastal Commission voted 7-3 on Friday, Aug. 9, to approve the next July 3 event going forward. For the last decade, the picnic-style fundraiser been one of the most popular annual events in Long Beach but was nixed this year because the event’s new organizers didn’t file the required application materials in time for approval.

Morris as remained committed to traditional fireworks shows. But lawsuits and other challenges have taken a toll. So, Morris said previously, he decided to hand Big Bang on the Bay over to the beneficiaries – the local nonprofits. In December, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach decided it would take charge of the event.

For one year only, Big Bang on the Bay, organized for the first time by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach, was approved to take place on Sept. 1 at Alamitos Bay. The event, which attained a five-year approval from the commission, would then take place on July 3 — as it had since its 2011 inception.

But those annual events will still require organizers to submit a coastal development permit application by Jan. 15 each year. The CDPs would need Coastal Commission approval.

During the August meeting, many commissioners said it would be the last time they allow a firework display in Alamitos Bay — with some expanding that to any over-the-water fireworks show.

The event, as well as over-the-water fireworks shows in general, have long caused concern among environmental advocates and officials about the impacts on wildlife in the area, water and air quality and public access to beaches.

“Fireworks have also been proven to have health risks from the toxic smoke and affect the air quality,” said Kristen Northrop, policy advocate for the Coastal Environmental Rights Foundation, during the August meeting. “The amount of smoke emitted from the show is very hazardous and abundant. The use of drones or other environmentally friendly displays would be a better alternative to fireworks.”

On Sunday, however, former Los Angeles Supervisor Don Knabe said he and his wife have missed just one Big Bang on the Bay.

“For us, we get to have a good time, enjoy good music, food and company and help raise money for charity, ” he said. “It’s amazing how much money they raise for charities that really need it.”

Karen Compton-Moore of Playa Vista was impressed with the sense of community she said she could feel.

“To see that is wonderful. Long Beach has really bloomed.”

Stu Ledsam, founding member of the Belmont Shore Rugby Club, said the controversy surrounding the Big Bang hurts nonprofits and other groups such as the rugby club.

“It’s disgraceful,” he said. And while he is committed to supporting the fundraiser, Ledsam said he wouldn’t mind a drone show replacing the boom and crackle of fireworks, “it just depends on the reason (for the change.)”

Morris said organizers have their sights set on next year.

“We’ll apply and we’ll see,” he said.

But on Sunday, those in Long Beach could look skyward and see fireworks lighting up the night — with a bang over the bay.

Staff writers Kristy Hutchings and Christina Merino contributed to this report