City Looks for a New Fireworks Vendor This Year

After what many called a disappointing fireworks show last year, the city has found a new vendor for this year’s Fourth of July celebration.

Locals complained last year that Bay Fireworks had too many delays in their program. But they were better off than the 36 spectators who were injured at a show also by Bay Fireworks.

San Juan Capistrano officials demanded – and received – a refund for last year’s show. Most of the money was provided by sponsors, some of whom asked the city to hold onto the refund to pay for the 2014 show.

This year, the city solicited new vendors and received four bids. Staff is recommending the City Council select Garden State fireworks at a cost of $30,000.

Although it wasn’t the lowest bid, staff said in a report to council that Garden State’s 2,420 fireworks proposed to be set off would actually provide the greatest value. The lowest bid, at $26,000, came from Exposhows Inc., but that company only proposes to set off 2,140 fireworks.

The council meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 32400 Paseo Adelanto in San Juan Capistrano.