Big Bay Boom organizers hoping to make good on last year’s debacle
SAN DIEGO (CNS) – Nearly one year after the annual pyrotechnics
extravaganza over San Diego Bay went bust with the near-simultaneous detonation
of all the fireworks, preparations for Thursday night's reprise of the Big Bay
Boom are going well, according to the event organizer.
August Santore of Garden State Fireworks said the software issues
that caused last year's debacle, which brought him and San Diego
international attention, have been corrected.
“We're in great shape, we're in the final preparation stages,” Santore
said. “Right now, we're doing some last-minute wiring and we've already
checked one of the barges, and everything is all systems go.”
The fireworks are launched from four barges strategically located along
the bay.
Santore was quick to take responsibility for last year's malfunction.
The show lasted less than 30 seconds.
Initial thoughts of a make-up show were deemed impractical, but this
year's event is planned to last a couple of minutes longer, for a total of 18
minutes, 30 seconds.
“We're very, very honored to be back, we're very honored to be given
the opportunity,” Santore told the station.
The Port of San Diego expects 300,000 to 500,000 people will converge on
the bay to observe the display, and encourages attendees to use public
transportation.
The best viewing spots will be Harbor Island, the North Embarcadero,
Seaport Village, Shelter Island and the Coronado Ferry Landing, according to
the port. Spectators will also be allowed to bring chairs to view the show on
Broadway Pier and the B Street Cruise Ship Terminal.
Port officials said drivers should be aware of construction along North
Harbor Drive. Also, police will cut off access to Harbor and Shelter islands
when parking is full, which usually happens around 3 p.m.
Free shuttle service is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. from designated
parking lots that open at 5:30 p.m. Return shuttles will leave shortly after
the fireworks show ends, with the last trip at 11 p.m.
The pickup and drop-off locations will be adjacent to West Marine, at
the corner of Rosecrans and Carleton streets, for those going to Shelter
Island, and the Port Administration Building, 3165 Pacific Highway, for those
who want to go to Harbor Island.
Port officials asked for patience after the show, since wait times for
return trips on the shuttles might be significant.
