Downtown Fireworks Show Headed Back to Mt. Rubidoux in 2023
Published: 10/25/2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Oct. 26, 2022
Contact:
Phil Pitchford
Public Information Officer
951-826-5975
Downtown Fireworks Show Headed Back to Mt. Rubidoux in 2023
City Council decision reverses two-year trend of hosting show at Ryan Bonaminio Park
RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The City of Riverside’s downtown fireworks show will return to Mt. Rubidoux in 2023 following a vote of the City Council Tuesday (10/25) evening. The show at La Sierra Park is unchanged.
The decision reverses a two-year trend of hosting the downtown fireworks show at Ryan Bonaminio Park in 2022 and 2021. That change was made because COVID-19 restrictions made it difficult to clear Mt. Rubidoux of potential fire threats. No show was conducted in 2020 because of the pandemic.
“Fireworks shows at Mt. Rubidoux are a Riverside tradition,” Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson said. “I look forward to seeing Riverside families enjoying themselves at this annual event.”
City Council members voted 5-2 to return the fireworks show to Mt. Rubidoux after several people said the fireworks are much more visible from there and that having fireworks on Mt. Rubidoux is a treasured community tradition dating back to the 1960s.
Council members Clarissa Cervantes and Gaby Plascencia voted no, citing concerns about potential fires and possible safety threats to firefighters and surrounding homes.
The vote means that Pyro Spectaculars of Rialto will provide the show from 2023-25, with an option to extend additional years. The decision also allots money for removing weeds and other flammable material and for repairs to the road up and down the mountain.
Mayor Pro Team Ronaldo Fierro said he looked forward to seeing fireworks from Mt. Rubidoux again, which he said was a tradition for his family growing up.
“For a lot of Riverside families, fireworks off Mt. Rubidoux are a staple of their Independence Day celebration,” Fierro said.” I am confident our Fire Department can ensure a safe and enjoyable show for everyone.”
