Countdown to 4th of July

Photo by Donna Kupke

Population in Canyon Lake will soar by the thousands on Wednesday as residents celebrate Independence Day. July 4th is one of Canyon Lake’s busiest days of the year. The community’s spectacular fireworks show makes Canyon Lake an even more attractive destination for residents and their guests.

Backyard pool parties, barbecues, boating, floating in the lake on a Lily Pad and family gatherings are just some of the ways Canyon Lakers will celebrate this Independence Day and freedom. With freedom comes responsibility.

The POA and City of Canyon Lake ask the public to cooperate with those in authority to help ensure a safe holiday for all. The personal safety and enjoyment of all residents and guests is a top priority and strict enforcement of the law will be applied.

Here are some tips to help residents know what to expect during the busy holiday:

Fireworks Show

Fireworks will be launched from Skipper’s Island at 9 p.m. Spectators can tune into 99.9 FM or download the free 99.9 KOLA app to hear music synchronized to the show. Mike Shroyer of Good Time Entertainment will be playing music from the lodge patio during the hour leading up to the show.

Road Closures Before Show

Longhorn Drive will close at Strawberry Lane to Happy Camp beginning at 2 p.m. Only Longhorn Drive residents, guests at Happy Camp and emergency vehicles may pass. Guests (including residents visiting you) should be prepared to show their guest passes with their host’s address, or camping pass if they are staying at the campground.

The following closures will occur at 8:30 p.m., 30 minutes before the show:

  • Lighthouse Drive at Vacation Drive.
  • Canyon Club Drive at Canyon Lake Drive.
  • Main causeway from Village Way Drive to Blue Teal Drive to Vacation Drive stop sign.
  • Blue Teal Drive will close once causeway is closed.
  • All traffic (including pedestrian traffic) to Happy Camp is stopped at 8:30 p.m.

Road Closures After Show

Below are reminders to help make exiting, Happy Camp, Holiday Harbor and Lodge areas easier. Community Patrol will be directing vehicles to the quickest community exit, please keep in mind this could be in an alternate direction of your desired exit. Pedestrian traffic will be given priority along Canyon Club Drive and the main causeway in the first 30 minutes after the show.

  • Exiting Happy Camp – Vehicles and golf carts can exit Happy Camp via Longhorn Drive. They may turn left onto Vacation Drive to exit the community through the north gate, or turn right on Vacation Drive for destinations inside Canyon Lake.
  • Exiting the Lodge – Vehicles and golf carts will be required to exit onto Lighthouse Drive. From Lighthouse Drive, vehicles will be directed to turn left or right onto Vacation Drive.
  • Exiting Holiday Harbor – Vehicles and golf carts will be required to turn right onto Canyon Lake Drive South towards the main gate.
  • Pedestrians – Exit on Canyon Club Drive and main causeway for the first 30 minutes following the show.

Boating Reminders

Boats must maintain a safe distance from Skipper’s Island during the fireworks. Boaters are asked to pay attention to the temporary red buoys around Skipper’s Island. Marine Patrol and City Code Enforcement will be instructing boaters to stay at least 200 feet back from the lighted buoys. The fireworks show will not begin unless all boats are within a safe distance from the island.

  • New this year, skiing/towing will not be permitted on the main lake after 12 p.m.
  • When boat passengers are in the water, an orange or red flag must be in the air.
  • Children 12 and younger playing on flotation devices, including Lily Pads, must wear USCG approved PFD at all times.
  • Passengers of boats who jump into the lake should remain within close proximity (six feet or less) of their boat.
  • Be sure your boat is fueled and batteries are charged before heading to the lake.
  • If you are playing music from your boat, turn the motor over 10 to 15 minutes to conserve your battery.
  • Unregistered boats are not permitted on the lake and are subject to a citation.

Causeways

Spectators may sit on the causeways to view the show. Vehicles and golf carts are not allowed to stop or park on the causeways.

Parks and Beaches

Parks and beaches will open at 6 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. The picnic tables at Holiday Harbor Park have been reserved through a POA lottery system; however, the remaining areas of the park are available to residents on a first-come basis. Portable tables, chairs and canopies are acceptable. Personal items left at parks or beaches before and after park hours will be left at your own risk.

 Pool

The pool’s modified hours on July 4 are 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. All activities at the pool will be canceled for the day. The pool will close promptly at 8 p.m. for the fireworks show. Access to the pool and pool deck will not be allowed after 8 p.m. Although the pool will be closed, spectators are welcome to watch the fireworks from Sunset Beach and the walkway around the pool, as well as other waterfront parks that have a view toward Skipper’s Island.

Restaurant Hours

The country club will close at 4 p.m.

The lodge bar will open at 3 p.m. The restaurant will be serving off the special event menu from 5 to 10 p.m. Reservations are recommended.

Taking Responsibility

Residents are reminded the prime member is responsible for the actions of his or her family, guests, renters and lessees, this also includes any citations. Prime members are responsible for knowing the POA’s Rules & Regulations and are asked to be respectful of those in authority who are trying to enforce the rules and safety for everyone.

Other reminders

The POA and City Hall offices will be closed. Regular business hours will resume on July 5.

There will be zero tolerance for juveniles with alcohol, as well as strict enforcement of boating and driving under the influence laws.




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