POA sets details for July 4th

With July 4 weather forecasts around 90 degrees and sunny, Canyon Lakers are itching to throw on swimsuits and hit the lake. With COVID-19 restrictions, it has been questionable whether Independence Day, one of Canyon Lake’s massive holidays, would be celebrated as usual. The Canyon Lake POA wants the show to go on and is providing the amenities and fireworks show as it has for decades.

“The Canyon Lake POA is proud to have the opportunity to celebrate America with our traditional spectacular fireworks show on July 4th,” the POA recently announced. “Residents and visitors are urged to maintain appropriate social distancing and be mindful of those around you.”

Be careful. Be safe. Have fun. That’s the message.

And with guests lining up at the entrances and headed to the beaches, the need for awareness of those around the various groups couldn’t be greater.

After the long and hot day of swimming, sunbathing and barbecuing, the fireworks show will begin at approximately 9:00 p.m. As in years’ past, the fireworks will be launched from Skipper’s Island.

To enhance the experience, spectators can tune in to their radios at 99.9 FM to hear music synchronized to the fireworks show from anywhere around the lake. From the Lodge patio area, Mike Shroyer of Good Time Entertainment will also be playing music leading up to the show, including a live performance of the American Anthem right before the fireworks begin at 9:00 p.m..

To help Canyon Lakers have a more fun and less stressful day, the POA has provided instructions and guidelines for the various amenities and roadways.

Everyone spending the day in Canyon Lake on Independence Day should take a moment and review the following information, including the map on Page A5.

Provided by the Canyon Lake Property Owners Association

Traffic & Road Closures

Before the Show

Beginning at noon on July 4, per the Fire Marshal, there is no parking or viewing on any launch ramps or roads leading to a launch ramp.

At 2:00 p.m., Longhorn Drive will close at Strawberry Lane to Happy Camp. Only Longhorn Drive residents past Strawberry Lane, guests at Happy Camp or emergency vehicles may pass. Guests should be prepared to show their guest passes with their host’s address or camping pass (if they are staying at Happy Camp).

All traffic (including pedestrian traffic) to Happy Camp is stopped at 8:30 p.m.

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

• Lighthouse Drive at Vacation Drive to the Lodge
• Canyon Club Drive at Canyon Lake Drive North
• Main Causeway from Village Way Drive to Vacation Drive
• Blue Teal Drive will close once causeway is closed
• No parking on Main, North or Longhorn causeways

After the Show

Below are reminders to help make exiting Holiday Harbor and the Lodge areas easier.

Community Patrol and Riverside County Sheriff’s Department 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 during the first 30 minutes after the show.

Village Way Drive – Vehicles (including golf carts) exiting Village Way Drive after the fireworks show will only be able to turn right onto Canyon Lake Drive South.

Exiting the Lodge – Vehicles (including golf carts) will be required to exit onto Lighthouse Drive. From Lighthouse Drive, vehicles may turn left or right onto Vacation Drive.

Vacation Drive Stop Sign – At the stop sign corner of Vacation Drive and Canyon Lake Drive North, vehicles exiting the show will only be able to make a left turn onto Canyon Lake Drive towards the East Gate.

Community Access

Community Patrol will have extra staff on hand at all three gates to help move the flow of traffic through the gates as quickly as possible. All gates will have additional staff walking the line to assist guests with accessing the community.

Main and East Gates: RFID lanes will be open to residents with RFID transponders. The other two lanes at these gates will be open for guests or residents.

North Gate: Both lanes at the North Gate will be for guests or residents.

Fireworks Show

The fireworks show begins at approximately 9:00 p.m. and they are launched from Skipper’s Island. Spectators can tune into 99.9 FM to hear music synchronized to the fireworks show.

Guest Information

Those inviting guests into the community are encouraged to utilize the ePass service. Members can log into their dwellingLIVE account online or through the mobile app and email their guest a pass. Guests can print the pass ahead of time or the gate attendant can scan the pass on their smartphone. Guests will still need to provide their valid driver’s license along with the ePass. For guests who did not print the pass, the gate attendant will issue a parking pass which will need to be displayed on the dashboard during their visit.

It is important to remind your guests that they must have a valid driver’s license in their possession when entering the community. Also, advise your guests to know your address. This will help the Community Patrol verify their information quicker at the gates.

Boating Reminders

Boat Registration

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 citation. Those who need to have a safety inspection completed on their boats in order to register them should call Marine Patrol at 951-244-6841 x415 to schedule an appointment.

Skippers Island

Skippers Island and its dock are closed July 1 through July 5.

Gas Dock

The gas dock will have intermittent closures throughout the day on July 4 and will close for the night at 4:00 p.m.

Boating on July 4

On July 4, no riders may be towed from any vessel on the main lake after noon.

Boating During Fireworks

Boats must maintain a safe distance from Skippers Island during the fireworks. If you are boating, please pay attention to the temporary red buoys with lights around Skippers Island.

City Code Enforcement, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and Marine Patrol will hold boats 350 feet from the island. The fireworks show will not begin unless all boats are within a safe distance from Skippers Island and the on-site Fire Marshal announces “All Clear.”

Park & Beach Hours

Park and beach hours are 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on July 4 only. There are no reservations this year. All parks are first come, first served.

Please note that any personal items left at parks or beaches before or after park hours will be removed. Please call the Canyon Lake POA at 951-244-6841 to inquire about lost items.

Pool Hours

The pool will have modified hours from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Open swim sessions will be at 7:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Sign up for pool sessions online at www.clpoa.com/swimming. The pool will close promptly at 7:30 p.m. for the fireworks show. No one will be allowed in the pool deck area after this time.

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 in the main lake.

Taking Responsibility

Residents are reminded the prime member is responsible for the actions of his or her family, guests and lessees, including any citations they may receive. Prime members are responsible to know the Canyon Lake POA’s Rules & Regulations and are asked to be respectful of those in authority who are trying to enforce those rules and safety for everyone.

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