July 4, 2013 — To the delight of residents young and old, Bakersfield College Memorial Stadium 
brought back the July 4th fireworks spectacular after a four-year hiatus.
Bringing the community back to campus via events is one of my areas of focus and the BC M&O department responded immediately with the necessary support and coordination to make it happen. A big thank you to Tarina Perry who was at the front and center of all the events coordination.
I had the greatest feeling of pride and peace driving up Mt. Vernon to the campus at 8:00 p.m. to see families and their friends outside their homes, even south of University, waiting for the fireworks. As I got closer to campus the energy was palpable. And then entering the packed stadium and seeing all those lights was absolutely euphoric. I recalled many July 4ths from 10 years ago when we as a family did the BC fireworks as a family tradition.
Bakersfield College partnered with Canyon Hills Church, SC Anderson, Grimmway Enterprises, San Joaquin Community Hospital and other sponsors to present the I Love America Liberty Festival & Freedom Celebration on July 4, 2013.
It was a day of games, activities, booths and food for all, along with competitions held including a patriotic photo contest, singing, kid’s talent, best-dressed bicycle and everyone’s favorite…baby photos!
Festivities inside Memorial Stadium kicked-off at 7:30 p.m. with a crowd estimated at 8,000. There was so much to see! A parade, marching band, skydivers, the BC drum line, military and veterans’ honors, remembrance of the victims of 9/11, music by a 150-voice singing flag, and the grand-finale fireworks show beautifully choreographed to music.
Fourth of July is back at Bakersfield College Memorial Stadium, and with the continued support of our sponsors and community, the tradition of lighting up the sky at the stadium will live on for years to come.
Photo: The Bakersfield Californian
