Almost 2,500 residents and tourists flocked to Marguerite Maze
Middle School on Friday to watch the annual fireworks show
sponsored by the Hollister Fourth of July Committee.
By Amanda Smith
Free Lance Correspondent
Almost 2,500 residents and tourists flocked to Marguerite Maze Middle School on Friday to watch the annual fireworks show sponsored by the Hollister Fourth of July Committee.
San Jose resident Eric McCaskie was the chief advisor to this year’s pyrotechnics. He and his seven-person crew began to set-up the 22-minute-long show at about 4 p.m.
The crew, according to McCaskie had experience and knowledge. One crew member, Jerry Durand, has worked on one of the Apollo missions and currently owns a “rocket ranch” in Stanislaus County.
“We do these shows for the love of fireworks, not for the money,” said McCaskie, who has also worked on the 1996 Olympics firework display in Atlanta.
Crewman Jim McConnell, a licensed professional, has been doing similar shows for about 50 years. He has worked in Monterey, Carmel, Gilroy and Morgan Hill, among other communities.
The Maze show, even with illegal fireworks scattered throughout the sky, was still the focus of the night.
The first spectators began arriving at 6:30 p.m. for the show that began at 9:15 p.m. As the sun set, children and parents began to set off their own fireworks, and at 9:13 p.m., an alert firework went skyward to gather attention and let people know the show was about to begin.
The crew, equipped with hard hats and ear plugs, began to light the sparklers with flares.
Spectators stared in amazement.
“The Fourth of July is my favorite holiday,” said 6-year-old Hollister resident Cheyenne Travisari. “I really, really like these fireworks because me and my brother pretend that each color is someone in our family.”
Cheyenne’s older brother, Dakota, said, “I love them because they make me jumpy and excited.”
A few new fireworks adorned the sky this year – the most prominent one being an orange, volcanic-eruption-like explosion. This year’s show – the biggest in Hollister history, according to organizers – cost approximately $7,500.
As the show ended at 9:37, spectators gave a long and much-deserved round of applause.
“The show was wonderful,” said Hollister resident Joe Cauchi who was taking in his first show. “The colors, noises and patterns were amazing.”
Most residents were happy with the display, although some people said it could improve by allowing spectators on the grass and bleachers. And some people hope the show gets longer in future years.
Ex-stockbroker Andrew Lanesbury, a biker from Eureka, was here for the Hollister Independence Rally and took in the event.
“Well, the rumble in your chest can only make you smile,” Lanesbury said. “And all the kids laughing should make the people who run this show real happy. It brings joy to all.”
