Spectacular things are happening in Cameron Park

THE SUMMER SPECTACULAR at Cameron Park Lake is the perfect place to cool down and have fun. Democrat photo by Shelly Thorene

What: 13th annual Summer Spectacular

Who: Cameron Park Community Services District

Where: Cameron Park Lake, 2989 Cambridge Road in Cameron Park

When: Saturday, June 30 at 2 p.m. Fireworks are at dusk

Cost: Advanced wristbands are $3 and $5 the day of the spectacular

Information: Call the Cameron Park Community Services District office at 530-677-2231 or visit cameronpark.org

By the time Steve Souza was 5 years old, he knew the basics of setting up a fireworks show.

He had learned from his father Albert Souza.

“It was at the Elks Lodge in Carmichael on the Fourth of July,” recalled Souza. “I was in charge of lighting and the ground displays such as the Roman candles. I would help out in the factory (where his father worked) building pieces.”

Souza, now 62, is a fourth generation pyrotechnician setting up fireworks for county and state fairs, high school football homecoming games and graduations to rodeos.

The Placerville resident is the vice-president of G&M Displays West, which sets up firework shows across California and Hawaii. He has more than 40 years experience in coordinating details with event organizers who want to conclude their events with a bang.

“We put all the proposals together before it goes to the yard,” Souza said. “We will be busy 10 to 12 days before the Fourth of July.”

On Saturday, June 30, G&M Displays West will oversee the fireworks show for the 13th annual Summer Spectacular at Cameron Park Lake, 2989 Cambridge Road in Cameron Park.

“This particular show takes two days and a crew of 18 people to set up,” said Souza.

This includes choreographing some of the fireworks show to music, Souza points out.

“There are particular times when fireworks need to go off,” Souza said.

The fireworks show at the Summer Spectacular go off after the sunset. The full day starts at 2 p.m. and ends after the pyrotechnics. Pre-sale wristbands are $3 and at the gate are $5. Parking is available at the Airpark.

There are many other activities at the Summer Spectacular and many vendors.

Kimberly Nickles, one of the vendors at the Summer Spectacular, will sell chill-its, a bandana placed in cold water to put around a person’s neck on hot days. She points out that they will be great for watching the fireworks show.

“They (G&M Displays West) probably have the nicest display of fireworks in the area,” Nickles said. “It’s a really beautiful and coordinated with music.”

Souza said that a week before the show, the fireworks are loaded up, placed on platforms and towed to the center of the lake away from people who will be watching the show from around Cameron Park Lake.

The Summer Spectacular  will feature plenty of food, beverages booths, crafters, exhibitors, contests, kids games and swimming, according to Tina Helm, recreation supervisor for the Cameron Park Community Services District,

Live entertainment will also take place shortly after 2 p.m. The Jeff Watson Band is scheduled to perform at 2:30 p.m. Watson pulls double duty for his band, playing lead guitar and vocals, followed by Jeff Cobb on bass, Kevin Clark on drums and vocals and Russ Skarsten on keyboards.

Lydia Pense and Cold Blood plays next. The group plays a mixture of rock ‘n’ roll, blues and jazz.

According to Helm, parking is available at the Cameron Park Airpark.

The advance wristbands are available at the district’s office, 2502 Country Club Drive in Cameron Park. Children 6 and under are free. Helm said a percentage of advanced wristband sales go to the Food of El Dorado County.

For more information on the Summer Spectacular contact the Cameron Park Community Services District office at 530-677-2231 or visit cameronpark.org.

Contact Mike Bush at 530-344-5079 or mbush@mtdemocrat.net. Follow @MBushMtDemo on Twitter. 

Mike Bush

Mike Bush has been working at the Mountain Democrat since August 2011. Mike is the Sports Writer and Features Writer.

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