Sales for safe and sane fireworks starts this week

The familiar sounds of fireworks in the sky has already started this year with law enforcement agencies and city staff warning about the proper use of safe fireworks.

Fireworks are largely illegal in the state of California and conversely Monterey County, but residents can enjoy “safe and sane” fireworks during the summer holiday in certain cities. This includes Marina, Seaside, Salinas, Gonzales, Soledad, Greenfield and King City.

There are no firework displays on the Monterey Peninsula, but there are other cities in the county that will have large shows for families and groups.

Fireworks displays:

June 29: Fort Hunter Liggett: “Freedom Fest,” Schoonover Airfield, 6 -10 p.m. ($5 admission)July 3: King City: Stampede Arena. Fireworks start about 9 p.m. ($1 suggested donation)July 4: Greenfield: Patriot Park, 3 – 9:30 p.m.

Independence Day events:

King City: “4th of July Parade,” Broadway & 2nd Street 10:30 a.m.Greenfield: “4th of July Event,” Patriot Park, 3 – 9 p.m.Salinas: “Fireworks Extravaganza, Festival, Patriotic Service,” Rodeo Grounds, 4 – 9 p.m.Carme: “Monterey County Pops,” Devendorf Park, 2 – 3:30 p.m.Monterey: “Old Monterey 4th of July Parade,” Alvarado Street & Calle Principal, 10 a.m.Monterey: “July 4th on the Wharf,” Fisherman’s Wharf, 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.Monterey: “Big 4th of July Celebration and Backyard Food Fest,” Colton Hall Lawn, 10:45 a.m. – 5 p.m.Monterey: “Living History Day,” Monterey State Historical Park, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.Pacific Grove: “4th of July Celebration,” Jewell Park, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.Seaside: “Red White and Blues Festival,” City Hall, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Seaside has been a hotspot for fireworks for the last few years, according to the Seaside police, due to the availability of safe and sane fireworks and lack of large aerial shows in the area.

This year, Seaside will be implementing a 10 p.m. curfew for safe and sane fireworks, which can only be bought and deployed from noon to 10 p.m. through July 5.

There is a $1,000 fine for getting caught with illegal fireworks, or using the safe and sane fireworks outside of the designated time.

Police will also be enforcing local parking restrictions. Parking will not be allowed on General Jim Moore Boulevard between Hilby Avenue and Coe Avenue.