Richmond's July 3rd celebration draws a crowd

Residents came from all parts of the city braving the wind and typical cold temperatures Thursday to partake of Richmond’s own, city-sponsored Independence Day celebration along the waterfront at Marina Bay Park, which, in a nod to the city’s uniqueness, occurs on July 3rd — or what has become known locally as “Fourth of July Eve.”

Families and vendors began gathering just after 5 p.m., with tents, lawn chairs, and heavy blankets in tow, as they attempted to stake out the perfect spot in eager anticipation of the fireworks show later that evening.

With the sun dipping below the horizon, a strong, frigid wind blowing off the water, families tucked in with their kids, waiting for that first big boom signaling the start of the show. As the sky broke red, gold, and green, shouts of delight rose from the crowd in the form of gleeful "oohs" and "ahhhhs."

Along with the dazzling pyrotechnics, this year’s festivities featured many of the same elements that Richmonders have come to expect over the last 30-plus years, including live music, fun activities, and an array of tantalizing food vendors.

But why do we celebrate on the 3rd?

Former Richmond Mayor Rosemary Corbin, who served as Richmond’s mayor from 1993 to 2001, says it is because having a celebration on the eve of the 4th of July is unique. Corbin explained that having the event a day early is also less expensive.

“It’s cheaper. We get the fireworks for half price,” Corbin told Grandview.

Tom Butt, also a former mayor, agrees that the lower price tag had a lot to do with the decision to hold the city’s official event earlier than other cities do. “The cost of fireworks is about one-third of what they would be on the 4th,” Butt said.

One of Richmond’s most popular events, the July 3 festivities never fail to draw a sizable crowd, pausing only during the pandemic before returning to enthusiastic celebrants in 2022.

Earlier this year, the Richmond City Council debated whether to continue the fireworks tradition, citing concerns about their environmental impact and the potential for adding to noise pollution. Drones were discussed as a viable alternative, with drone shows gaining popularity around the Bay Area over the past few years, and at least one council member supporting the idea.

Ultimately, the council decided to just say no to the drones, mainly because they are considered pricier, costing on average $99,000 for just an 8-minute show. A traditional fireworks display usually costs the city around $104,000 for a full 15 minutes of pyrotechnic action. There was also some concern that a drone show may lack, if just slightly, the razzle-dazzle experience of a fireworks display.

What is in store for next year’s extravaganza remains to be seen, with the council typically discussing funding and planning for the event early each year.

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