Show could go high-tech

BURBANK — A Fourth of July laser lightshow may replace the annual fireworks display at the Starlight Bowl, which was canceled this year due to concerns about fire hazards.

The city announced the cancellation of the fireworks show at the end of May after Burbank Fire Department officials determined that vegetation near the bowl was far too dry to conduct a fireworks show safely.

Since then, the city's Park, Recreation and Community Services Department has been pursuing possible alternatives to the traditional fireworks finale and was scheduled to meet with a company on Tuesday that puts on laser light shows, department Director Eric Hansen said.

"It hasn't been finalized as of right now, but we trust that it will be a fitting conclusion to a great night," he said.

The light show would likely be accompanied by patriotic music, he added.

"The company will meet with staff to go over the logistics required of the facility and how it's going to lay out and deal with those types of issues," he said. "It will be exciting in the fact that we haven't done one of these up there. So we'll see how well it works."

Depending on the success of the show, the city could decide to put on more programs like it in the future, he said.

"If it's really successful, we might revisit it at some period of time — but not in lieu of the fireworks, because I'm sure the community wants to see fireworks; but right now it's a non-option."

Reaction among residents to the idea of a lightshow was mixed.

"Nothing could replace the display and fireworks sounds through the skies of Burbank," said Rancho District resident Donna Ricci. "But as replacements go, it's as good as you're going to get, given safety concerns."

The future of fireworks displays is uncertain, and cancellations may become more of the norm than the exception in light of global climate changes that seem to be trending toward extremely dry conditions, said Burbank Fire Chief Tracy Pansini.

So far this year fires have broken out above Barham Boulevard in Burbank, in Santa Clarita, on Catalina Island and in Griffith Park, where more than 800 acres were consumed over a two-day period.

After the fireworks cancellation was announced, ticket prices for the annual event were dropped to $8 for adults; $5 for seniors older than 60 years old; and $5 for children between 3 and 12 years old.

In addition to the patriotic light show, the festivities include a performance by the Burbank Philharmonic Orchestra, a classic rock 'n' roll show and food concessions from Handy Market.

Tickets can be purchased at McCambridge Park, Verdugo and Olive recreation center, as well as the Administrative Services Building at 301 E. Olive Ave., Suite 300.

Gates open at 5:30 p.m.