After being cancelled in 2009, the California State University, Stanislaus announced that the popular Fourth of July celebration and firework show is finally returning to the University.
The Fourth of July tradition attracted more than 200,000 people to the University, before being cancelled after 24 years.
Since it’s cancellation, which came due to lack of funding and sponsors, the firework celebrations have been hosted at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds — except in 2010 when there was no public show in Turlock — however, many have missed the University’s show.
CSU Stanislaus President Joseph F. Sheley called the fireworks show a great example of the relationship the University is forging with the surrounding community.
“We’re very happy to be partnering with the Chamber to bring this tradition back to campus,” Sheley said. “We’ll be celebrating our nation’s history while at the same time providing the community a great place to have fun. In the past we’ve referred to ourselves as a hidden gem. With this event and others like it, I think you can get rid of ‘hidden.’ In still challenging budget times, we are committed to showing the community that this is their University.”
The University is teaming with the Chamber of Commerce to put on the celebration, which will likely include music and craft vendors, with the City providing children’s activities including bounce houses and face painting.
All of the day’s events will culminate with the spectacular firework show, Chamber President Sharon Silva said in the announcement.
“We’re really excited to partner with the University because it’s such a wonderful venue,” Silva said. “It’s great to bring the event back to campus, where it started decades ago.”
Along with bringing back the tradition, Sheley hopes the celebration will be an opportunity to showcase the campus to potential students and parents.
“Young people who grew up in this area but went away for college have told me they wish they’d seen the University for themselves before they made their decision,” the president said. “We want them to think of us as a destination campus.”
The public is invited to enjoy the celebration, which will begin at 4 p.m., and pack a picnic or visit one of the many food trucks that will be on campus.
