Local Fourth of July Day Celebration Ready for Large Crowds

South Gate's Fourth of July celebration will go on as expected, despite the cancellation of July 4th celebration events in neighboring cities such as Lynwood.

Officials insist that South Gate is ready for the larger crowds if they do come.

“This is not the first year cities have cancelled,” said Paul Adams, South Gate’s director of parks and recreation. “We’re following normal procedures.”

Normal procedures include keeping the event at South Gate Park, hosting a carnival, baseball games, live music and a fireworks show.

The amount of security provided by the organizing company, Fiesta De Carnival, and the South Gate Police Department  (SGPD) will also remain the same as well.

A sergeant and half a dozen patrol officers and park security personnel will be present at all times. They will also get assistance from members of the

The officers will also be enforcing laws regarding illegal fireworks and alcohol. Two activities which are not allowed at South Gate Park, according to Captain Keith Hupp of the SGPD.

The effective handling of all kinds traffic during the event is considered the biggest challenge that authorities face, according to the SGPD.

 “Traffic control is the largest issue,” said Capt. Hupp. “The firework show is 20 minutes, but it can take an hour to get everyone out safely.”

The police department has yet to have had a serious incident during this celebration. They are therefore confident that everything will go as planned.  

 “We never had an issue or problem in the 20 to 25 years, that I can recall,” said Capt. Hupp.

 Adams agreed with the Capt. Hupp's sentiments.

 “It’s one of our easier events," concluded Adams. "People are generally well-behaved,”

The Fireworks show at South Gate Park will start at 9:00 p.m.

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