One San Diego County fireworks show has fizzled out indefinitely, and a lack of funding may cause another to shut down in years to come.
The 4th of July fireworks at Chula Vista’s Olympic Training Center were canceled after last year’s display started a fire.
And in Ramona, the local Rotary Club, which sponsors the fireworks show, has been struggling with funding. At a cost of $1,500 per minute, the 20 minute show is still hundreds of dollars short.
Without the financial support, planning next year’s event has been put on hold, the rotary president told NBC 7 Monday, which means this year’s fireworks could be the last.
The possibility is a sad one for Ramona residents who have grown up watching the bright display.
“Every year, I get together with my family and we throw this huge party and watch the fireworks,” said Ramona resident Kiera Grant.
If the funds for this year’s show are not collected by the holiday weekend, the Ramona Rotary Club may not even attempt to raise money for 2016’s celebration.
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“That would be really sad,” said Ramona resident Mary Nelson. "That's when everyone comes together and it's a beautiful thing."
With a shortage of other options, many are expected to jet down to the already crowded Embarcadero for the Big Bay Boom. About 500,000 people are expected to attend the city's biggest fireworks show.
That could include Oceanside residents, whose fireworks show was moved from Friday instead of Saturday.
After NBC 7 aired its report on the Ramona show, the rotary president said the club finally met its fundraising goal.
