Count down!

Canyon Lake will be sizzling Monday, July 4 – fortunately as the result of fireworks, not weather. The forecast is for temperatures to be in the low to mid-90s – perfect for lounging in the pool or lake.

The people forecast is for thousands of weekenders and guests to join Canyon Lake’s biggest party of the year.

The color forecast is red, white and blue, as people adorn their decks, boats and golf carts with flags and bunting, and their bodies with patriotic hats, T-shirts and swimwear. The Friday Flyer always searches out the latter for its annual 4th of July photos, so be prepared!

Pyro Spectaculars is scheduled to begin launching the fireworks from Skipper’s Island (across from the Campground) at approximately 9 p.m. Monday. Because of road closures, spectators are urged to reach their viewing destinations by 8:30. Mike Shroyer of Good Time Entertainment will be providing a “Rock Anthem Top 10 Countdown” from the pool deck prior to the fireworks.

People may sit on the causeways to view the show, but not stop their cars or park on causeways. Parks will open at 6 a.m. that morning for those who would like to set up easy-ups and chairs. (No personal possessions are allowed to be left at the parks and beaches after 10 p.m. on July 3.) Waterfront spots fill up quickly. All table pavilions at Holiday Harbor already have been reserved through a lottery system, but the grassy areas are first come, first served.

Calling in Guests?

Residents are urged to direct their guests to the Main or East Gates. Tell them to have photo ID ready at the gate and arrive as early as possible to avoid delays. Guests with pre-printed passes may use the middle lane at the Main and East Gates.

The Association has provided a few updates to the traffic details announced last week, so residents and their guests are reminded to keep the following in mind when driving to parks and beaches on the 4th of July.

Pre-fireworks Traffic Notices

• Beginning at 2 p.m. on July 4, Longhorn Dr. will be closed between Strawberry Ln. and the Campground. Only residents of Longhorn, guests at the Campground, or emergency vehicles will be allowed through this area. Guests should be prepared to show their guest passes with their host’s address or camping pass. All traffic to the Campground, including pedestrians, will be stopped at 9 p.m.

The following streets will close at 8:30 p.m. to all vehicles, including golf carts (pedestrians are okay):

• Lighthouse at Vacation
• Canyon Club at Canyon Lake Dr.
• Main Causeway from Village Way to Blue Teal (Blue Teal will close to through traffic once Causeway is closed.)

Post-fireworks Traffic

To make leaving Holiday Harbor and Lodge areas easier and quicker, Community Patrol will direct residents and guests to the quickest exit from the community. This could be in an alternate direction than desired. Pedestrian traffic will be given priority along Canyon Club and the Main Causeway in the first 30 minutes after the show.

• Village Way – Due to traffic congestion, golf carts and vehicles exiting Village Way after the fireworks show will only be able to turn right onto Canyon Lake Dr. South.
• Exiting the Lodge – In order to control traffic congestion of those exiting the Lodge area, after the show, vehicles and golf carts will be required to exit onto Lighthouse. From Lighthouse, vehicles may turn left or right onto Vacation Dr.
• Vacation Drive – At the stop sign corner of Vacation and Canyon Lake Dr. North, vehicles exiting the show will only be able to make a left turn onto Canyon Lake Dr. toward the East Gate.

Other Reminders

• Members Services will be closed all day Monday, July 4.
• Unregistered boats are not permitted on the lake. Marine Patrol will be verifying boats for current registration at all launch ramps. Unregistered boats are subject to a $500 Marine Patrol citation.
• During the fireworks show, boats must maintain a safe distance from Skipper’s Island. The show will not begin unless all boats are within a safe distance 200 feet away from the island.
• On July 4, the pool will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. for open swim. A valid POA card is required and the member must be in good standing to have access to the pool gate. The gate will close at 8 p.m. for the fireworks show and no one but authorized personnel will be allowed in the pool deck area. Spectators will be allowed on the walkway surrounding the pool.
• Curfew for those under the age of 18 will be 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. The Association says there will be zero tolerance for juveniles with alcohol as well as strict enforcement of boating and driving under the influence laws.
• Fireworks are illegal and the fine for setting them off is $500 to $1000 and up to one year in jail.