Group formed to create Independence Day celebration

A group of residents has started a campaign to bring fireworks and an Independence Day celebration back to Fallbrook.

Fallbrook hasn't had fireworks or an official Fourth of July party the past two years. The Grand Tradition hosted an Independence Day celebration and fireworks from 2004-2016 but decided in 2017 to halt the pyrotechnics due to safety concerns for nearby housing.

The new Fallbrook Independence Day Committee was formed in late June and held its first meeting July 17.

"We had 10 people from various organizations attend the meeting," said Marc Sigmon, one of the founders of the FIDC. "Some nonprofits have been in contact wanting to help out."

One of the first things FIDC wants to accomplish is to secure a nonprofit partner and the group is hoping the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce will be that partner. Sigmon made a presentation to chamber's executive board Aug. 14.

"The executive board heard it and liked the idea of having a patriotic event in town," said chamber CEO Lila MacDonald, who will be presenting the concept to the chamber's main board. "Our executive board is very excited about it, as is our staff."

MacDonald said she is committed to helping FIDC.

"We have a great group of people that are already involved," said MacDonald. "Everybody has their talents. I'm prepared to help with the permits and the county stuff, because that's what I do. And we have people that can help with marketing and getting volunteers."

Sigmon said FIDC contacted county officials regarding the proposed event and were given an outline of what would be required to put it on.

"They told us we need to be as specific as possible in laying out our plan, so that it is why it is so critical for us to reach out and get the help we need," said Sigmon. "The more solid plan we can put together, the less the county and the approving authorities are going to come back to us and say, 'well, what about this.'"

FIDC has also started communications with North County Fire. "This is all contingent upon making sure it is safe," said Sigmon.

Sigmon said FIDC has also been in contact with officials at Fallbrook Airpark, Ingold Sports Park and Fallbrook Youth Baseball to discuss the group's idea of having the fireworks shot off at the airpark and having viewing areas set up at Ingold and the youth baseball fields.

Sigmon stressed that an Independence Day celebration will be held with or without fireworks.

"We want to make sure that people understand that this is going to be a celebration, and if dangerous fire conditions don't allow for fireworks, we are still going to have an event that celebrates Fallbrook and Independence Day."

Sigmon added the Independence Day celebration might not necessarily be held on the Fourth of July, but rather the weekend before it or perhaps July 3, since the professional fireworks operator that put on the show at Grand Tradition is already booked up for July 4, 2019, as are other firework pyrotechnicians in the area.

"The company we talked to said it could help us out the weekend before or the week of," said Sigmon. "We're going to get the community's input about what the best day is."

Once FIDC has a partnership and the necessary approvals in place, it will begin concentrating on sponsorship, fundraising and recruiting volunteers.

"The big goal is that we be self-sustained," said Sigmon. "We're going to rely on community support for this to happen."

Sigmon, a 20-year Navy veteran, said Fallbrook needs its own Independence Day party.

"Why do we want people to leave Fallbrook to celebrate our freedom when we're at the doorstep of one of the largest military stations (Camp Pendleton)," said Sigmon. "I don't want to go anywhere else, I want to celebrate it with my neighbors, so we can all honor the sacrifices that have been made for our freedom."

The FIDC does not yet have a website. To contact FIDC for more information, send inquiries to [email protected].