Independence Day party at JFTB

The masses flocked once again to Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos on the Fourth of July for what has become a local tradition—getting to watch fireworks and take in patriotic festivities as the military base opens its doors to the public.

The fun started in the late afternoon, and the tarmac that acts as seating for the show was already nearing capacity well before darkness fell.

It is estimated that upwards of 14,000 people attended the event in honor of our nation’s 242nd birthday.

A stage was set up where the 40th Infantry Division Band played tunes ranging from patriotic to show tunes to folk.

Booths with offerings such as face painting, balloon animals and a pie-eating contest, as well as several food trucks, kept people occupied until dark.

A handful of local dignitaries also gave speeches, including people from the offices of State Senator Janet Nguyen, Los Alamitos Mayor Troy Edgar, Orange County Board of Supervisors member Michelle Steel and Seal Beach City Councilwoman Schelly Sustarsic. Cypress City Councilman Rob Johnson was also seen amongst the crowd.

When the time finally came for the fireworks show, it proved itself to be worth the wait, as a several-minute long show set to patriotic and popular music ensued, with impressive firepower and innovative artistry, including fireworks that spelled “U,” “S,” “A,” set with impeccable time to Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA,” and hearts accompanying the line “land that I love” in “God Bless America.”

The event went off without a hitch and was everything one could hope for in a family Fourth of July outing: patriotic, fun and safe.