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| Photo from Santee Salutes 2012 |
An estimated 10,000 people are expected to attend this
year’s Santee Salutes, an annual 4th of July celebration sponsored
by Waste Management Inc. and coordinated by the City of Santee Community
Services Department.
At 6 p.m. Santee Mayor Randy Voepel
will lead a patriotic ceremony with the Heavy Helicopter Squadron 462 color
guard from U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.
“Each year we try to add new attractions to enhance
the experience, but Santee Salutes will always be a family oriented event with
a patriotic theme,” said Cherie Meek the city’s special events supervisor.
New rides and attractions this year include a privately
owned fire truck, laser tag games, a mini-Ferris wheel, a mechanical bull and
mechanical surf board ride and rock wall climbing. Parents can avoid waiting in
line at the California Health Network Fun Zone by purchasing tickets in advance
at the Elite Events and Party Rental website: http://www.sdelite.com/Santee-Salutes-4th-of-July-s/208.htm
To reduce congestion at the conclusion of the
fireworks show, the city is adding an extra half-hour of free live music by the
80z All Stars, an ‘80s music tribute band, until 10 p.m.
“Instead of everybody rushing off all at once, patrons
can stay at the park and listen to some live music while the roads clear out,”
Meek said.
To help offset the cost of the event and support youth
sports programs, the city is charging $5 to park at city owned parking lots. Preferred parking closest to the fireworks is
$15. A portion of the revenue is shared with local youth sports leagues that
provide volunteers who collect the parking fees.
Patriotic T-shirts and glow necklaces will be
available for purchase.
Attendees can park for free at the Costco parking lot
and take a free shuttle to the park. The shuttle service will be available from
3:30 to 11:00 p.m.
Prior
to the event, the City of Santee Aquatics Center and Cameron Family YMCA will
be open from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The following streets will be limited to resident
traffic during evening hours: Bilteer Drive, Bilteer Court, San Remo Court, San
Remo Drive, Conejo Place, Magnolia Park Drive, Cottonwood Avenue, Verde Vista
Lane, Day Creek Trail and Leavesly Trail.
Area residents are encouraged to safely secure dogs or
bring them inside.
This community event is made possible through the
financial support of Waste Management, the California Health Network and in-kind
donations from radio station KSON, Bob’s Crane Service, Cottonwood Electric
Cart Service, Rice RV and Lekos Electric.
Additional information is available at the city’s website: www.cityofsanteeca.gov
or by calling the Special Event Hotline at (619) 258-4100 ext. 201
