Popular Long Beach fireworks show canceled

A popular Independence Day fireworks show is canceled for 2024.

LONG BEACH, Calif. - A popular Independence Day celebration in Long Beach will not go on as scheduled this year.

Organizers behind the Big Bang on the Bay said they’ve pulled the plug due to a delay in receiving a crucial permit from the California Coastal Commission. The Boys & Girls Club of Long Beach, the new lead organizer, was unable to meet the deadline for the permit application.

Don Rodriguez, the CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach, said it wasn’t clearly communicated. Also, the process was complicated by stricter environmental regulations for fireworks shows across the state.

"We regret to announce the cancellation of this year’s Big Bang on the Bay event. This impacts over 75,000 attendees and several local non-profits, including the Boys & Girls Club. We appreciate your support and understanding during this difficult time," organizers said in a statement on the event website.

The fireworks show typically occurs on the night of July 3 each year over Alamitos Bay, which has become a staple in the city’s summer festivities.

The previous organizer, restaurant owner John Morris took too social media and accused the commission of intentionally making the process more difficult.

"The Coastal Commission attempted to work with Mr. Morris for months to ensure that Big Bang on the Bay could proceed in line with legally required environmental safeguards. Unfortunately, he has jeopardized this year’s event by refusing to engage in a good-faith dialogue, handing off permit responsibilities to an unsuspecting community group at the 11th hour," The California Coastal Commission said in a statement. "The Coastal Commission is now working closely with the Boys and Girls Club of Long Beach in hopes of completing the permit application and rescheduling this popular event for later this year."

Long Beach forced to cancel fireworks show

The City of Long Beach has been forced to cancel its 3rd of July fireworks show, after missing the deadline for a permit. The group in charge said they were never made aware of the deadline.

It serves as more than just entertainment for the community. It’s also the biggest fundraiser of the year for some local organizations, having raised more than $2 million in the last decade.

Organizers are hoping to reschedule the event, possibly around Labor Day weekend.