Crowds watch as fireworks light up the sky at the Peninsula in Long Beach, Monday, July 3, 2023. Photo by Sarahi Apaez.
Thousands gathered in boats in Alamitos Bay, on porches and parks in Naples and along the shoreline of the Peninsula Monday for the annual Big Bang on the Bay fireworks show on Independence Day-eve.
The show, organized by John Morris, owner of Boathouse on the Bay, went on despite some uncertainty this year over the event would secure permits. An environmental group had filed lawsuit alleging organizers had been polluting Alamitos Bay, but it was dismissed in April.
Monday’s “block party” event at Morris’ Alamitos Bay restaurant featured paragliders, music, local politicians and lots of food, catered by Naples Rib Company. Proceeds from the event benefitted a number of local charities.
Families watch as paragliders fly above the Alamitos Bay with American flags attached to their parachutes in Long Beach, Monday, July 3, 2023. Photo by Sarahi Apaez.Gondolas glide into Alamitos Bay to watch the fireworks display hosted by the Boathouse on the Bay in Long Beach, Monday, July 3, 2023. Photo by Sarahi Apaez.Residents and visitors gather along the Peninsula to watch the fireworks display over Alamitos Bay in Long Beach, Monday, July 3, 2023. Photo by Sarahi Apaez.Crowds watch as fireworks light up the sky at the Peninsula in Long Beach, Monday, July 3, 2023. Photo by Sarahi Apaez.Crowds watch the fireworks show from the Peninsula at the Big Bang on the Bay in Long Beach, Monday, July 3, 2023. Photo by Sarahi Apaez.Boats glide under the Big Bang on the Bay fireworks show in Long Beach, Monday, July 3, 2023. Photo by Sarahi Apaez.
