Every year, the Sebastopol Kiwanis Club hosts one of the biggest community events of the year – the Annual 3rd of July Fireworks show. This year, however, some things will be different. The Kiwanis Club of Sebastopol is our local chapter, and they currently have about 25 members.
Kiwanis International is a global nonprofit organization founded in 1915, focused on helping children and communities thrive. Locally, the Sebastopol chapter raises money through the fireworks show event, and as a nonprofit, they put the money they raise back into the community, especially toward supporting youth. Many of their funds go toward scholarships for graduating seniors, as well as grants for smaller local organizations making an impact. “That’s why I chose Kiwanis over other organizations,” said Philena Chantha, who is one of the main organizers of the fireworks event. “I always want to support and connect with the youth.”
The fireworks show has been hosted at Analy High School since 1973. That first year, there were only seventy-five attendees, and the show was hosted on the third of July so that the club didn’t compete with the show in Santa Rosa. However, since then, the event has grown to be one of the trademark celebrations every year, attracting thousands of attendees each year. Every year, the show is hosted at Analy High. However, this year will mark the first time in fifty-two years that the show is hosted somewhere else.
This year, due to construction at the high school, the show will be hosted at the Sebastopol Community Center. Although the move marks a break from tradition, the Kiwanis Club has worked hard to make sure the spirit of the event stays the same. Philena Chantha and Callie Konno are leading the effort, a process that takes almost a full year of planning.
Despite the location change, many of the traditions will remain. The fireworks themselves will still be launched from Analy’s baseball field, a site chosen for its wide fallout zone and safe distance from buildings and homes. Visitors can expect the same festive atmosphere, with live music, food vendors, and a dedicated kids’ area. Local favorites like Mimi’s and Martha’s will return, joined by additional restaurants and food trucks this year. The Best of Porch Fest will open the live music performances, and Sol Horizon will headline the show.
New this year is a premium ticket option, benefiting the Sebastopol Community Cultural Center. For $55, guests can access the air-conditioned Community Center space, featuring refreshments, indoor restrooms, a charcuterie bar, and chill music. They are also adding a wine and beer garden located outside by the Youth Annex. General admission tickets remain $20 with early bird pricing available online through June 30th. Kids five and under are free, and 6 to 11-year-olds are $5.
Because the Community Center parking lot will be used as the main event space, parking will work a little differently this year. Road closures will be in effect at Laguna Parkway/Morris Street and Sunset Ave/Johnson Street. Parking and shuttle service will be available at the Sebastopol Grange, Holy Ghost Hall, and additional locations to be announced at https://www.sebastopolkiwanisclub.org/. Premium ticket holders will have access to closer parking at the Barlow overflow lot, with carts and bike taxis available to help transport guests who may need assistance.
Behind the scenes, organizing an event of this size comes with plenty of challenges. Planning begins almost a full year in advance, and environmental concerns are always a major factor, especially when it comes to fireworks safety. While drone shows have been discussed as a future possibility, the cost of over $100,000 makes it financially prohibitive for now.
Students and families who want to get involved can also sign up to volunteer closer to the event date through the Kiwanis Club’s website, or you can email [email protected] to get signed up ahead of time. Whether helping set up booths, managing kids’ activities, or cleaning up after the show, volunteers are an essential part of making the event a success. There is also a place to donate or become a sponsor of the fireworks show you can find on their website, https://www.sebastopolkiwanisclub.org/. Just by buying a ticket and attending the show, you are helping to support the Kiwanis Club and their efforts, so show up for some community fun this 3rd of July!
Though this year’s show won’t be on the Analy football field, the spirit of the 3rd of July lives on. After 52 years, it’s not the place that defines the tradition, it’s the people who show up to celebrate it together. With a new venue, new experiences, and the same beloved traditions, this year’s 3rd of July Fireworks Show promises to be a memorable one.
