Preparations underway to make everyone’s holiday

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.-Fourth of July pyrotechnics have been hard at work to put on a safe show.

Handler James Robert Collins has worked on the Santa Barbara show for 17 years and calls it "rock solid."

The Garden State Fireworks crew gave police and fire officials a close up look at their work enclosed in a sand berm that had to be rebuilt after kids played in the sand.

Now, the public is cordoned off.

On Saturday, people offshore will be kept a safe distance away.

The Garden State Fireworks professionals said they plan to leave out the noisiest ones, called Veterans Salutes, because their sounds have been known to upset vets and pets

Instead they recommend looking for fireworks that look like happy faces, hearts and golden brocade.

"The best part is the cheers that we hear after the show from the crowd that makes my boat float,” said longtime pyrotechnician Rodney Bollinger .

Crews on the other side of a temporary fence are busy preparing the West Beach Grandstand sponsored by the PARC Foundations and others. 

John Palminteri will emcee the lineup of entertainment that begins at noon.

Performers include Rock Shop, the La Boheme and Spencer the Gardener 

One of the local vendors preparing to sell Tink's Hot Dogs became a citizen years ago and is ready celebrate 

Maragarite Zaske has dual citizenship and plans to celebrate the Fourth of July and Peru's independence from Spain on July 29.

People can also enjoy America's favorite pastime at 4:30 p.m. when the Foresters play SLO Blue at Pershing park which is a block away from the beach off Castillo St.

Some people have already staked their claim on grassy spots along Cabrillo Blvd.

There is plenty of time to have fun before dark when the fireworks begin at 9 p.m. sharp.