The Rose Bowl fireworks extravaganza, a Southern California tradition for 80 years, will be staged again this year despite the cancellation of similar shows in the surrounding communities of La Crescenta, Burbank and South Pasadena.

"Americafest 2007" will feature more than fireworks.  This year's show will include a dynamic musical salute by the California Philharmonic and will honor the men and woman who are serving or have served in the armed forces at home and abroad.
  
The event, on Wednesday, July 4, will be a full day of affordable family fun, food and entertainment.  Tickets are $12 each. Children ages 7 and younger are admitted free.  Parking is $20 per car and that includes a $5 off coupon redeemable for food and drinks inside the stadium. Active military with ID admitted free.

The family fun zone featuring barbecue and other treats, beverages, crafts, product displays and inflatable rides for the kids opens at noon and continues throughout the day and evening.

Tickets are available at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com or call(213) 480-3232) and can be purchased at the Rose Bowl ticket booths (10 a.m.-5 p.m. through July 3, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. on July 4).

Concerns about drought conditions have caused some communities to cancel fireworks shows not only locally but throughout the nation.    

But not at the Rose Bowl.

"We want to let folks know that Pasadena is going to have July 4 at the Bowl," Fire Chief Dennis Downs said. "What we want our residents and people from neighboring communities to come and watch a show professionally put on in a controlled environment. We don't want to end up with visitors and residents in brush areas using fireworks illegally.

Downs said the Rose Bowl, bordered by a well-watered golf course on one side and a parking lot on the other, is an ideal site for fireworks.

"Any time you shoot fireworks, they have to land somewhere," Downs said. "But in a controlled area they have nothing else to burn. ... The actual fire hazard is nil."

For futher information, contact the Rose Bowl at (626) 577-3101 or at www.rosebowlstadium.com.