BIGGS, CA (MPG) – This 4^th of July, thanks to COVID-19 and social distancing mandates, much of the festivities part of Biggs Festival Events Independence Day Celebration have been cancelled. Regardless, organizer and director Brian Bassett says that the community will definitely be enjoying a free firework show, but from the safety of their homes.

Basset says that it was difficult to raise funds this year, but they were able to pull from their 20^th Anniversary Celebration fund, and thanks to a few sponsors, the show is definitely happening. He called both Edson Smith, pyrotechnic in charge of the display and the fireworks company that provides the cannons to ensure that the show would go on.  In the midst of everything that has been lost to COVID-19, Basset felt that it was crucial to celebrate our nation’s Independence and remember what the holiday stands for - Freedom. “I wasn’t going to stop doing the Fourth of July this year” he says, “NO MATTER WHAT, we are shooting fireworks!”

The show is planned for Saturday, July 4^th just after dark issuing from the Biggs High School football field. Bassett plans to set up a small stage in front on his home in downtown Biggs and has hired a film crew to record a live streaming introduction to the fireworks show. The program will feature a speech from Biggs Mayor, Bo Sheppard, flag salute, the playing of the National Anthem and patriotic tunes to accompany the fireworks show. A large sound system will funnel the audio into the center of town for those watching from their yards or streetside. Those in the outskirts of town or out-of-earshot can livestream the whole show, including the fireworks, on Biggs Festival Events Facebook page.

Accommodations have been made to ensure that more people will be able to view the show from remote locations. Cannons have been increased from 18-inch-long tubes to 4-foot-long tubes, which will launch the fireworks higher into the air for increased distance viewing. Biggs Festival Events asks that everyone enjoy the show from their homes, downtown or along the roadsides.  No one is allowed on the High School grounds other than the pyrotechnic crew. Butte County Sherriff’s Office and local law enforcement have been asked to help enforce that.

Since Biggs Festival Events cannot have a grand stand show and charge entrance, which is how they generate funding for futures shows, the fate of the Independence Day Celebration lies in the hands of those who enjoy it. This year’s show has cleaned out all the funds for next year’s 4^th of July festivities. Please help support this wonderful community event. Donations are still being accepted at Biggs Town Hall or contact Biggs Festival Events to see how you can help.