Record crowds coming July 4th
In Canyon Lake’s first significant event since the statewide opening on June 15, the 4th of July celebration Sunday looks to be one of the best-attended and most celebrated events in the community’s history. Pent-up demand to gather, play and celebrate a holiday coupled with perfect summer weather should translate to huge crowds of residents and their guests.
With July 4 weather forecasts around 90 degrees and sunny, Canyon Lakers are itching to throw on swimsuits and hit the lake. Likewise, backyard barbecues will be stoked back up and guests invited to chow and then enjoy fireworks from most anywhere around the community.
After a long and hot day of swimming, sunbathing and boating, 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.
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 below
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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).
At 6:00 p.m., Blackhorse Drive and Sorrel Lane may only be accessed by residents who reside on them, their guests (including residents who do not live on these streets), or emergency vehicles. Guests must be able to present a valid guest pass with their host’s address.
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
- Longhorn Drive from Strawberry Lane to Happy Camp
- 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
The Canyon Lake POA will be heavily focused on managing community access during the holiday weekend. 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.
At the Main and East gates the RFID lane will be open to residents with RFID transponder and residents with vehicle decal. The other two lanes at these gates will be open for guests or residents. Both lanes at North Gate will be for guests or residents.
Fireworks Show
The fireworks show begins at approximately 9:00 p.m. and the fireworks are launched from Skipper’s Island. Spectators can tune into 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 show.
Guest Information
- Reminder use guest ePasses
Those inviting guests into the community are encouraged to utilize the e-pass service. Guests can print the pass ahead of time, or the gate attendant can scan the pass on their smart phone. Guests will still need to provide their valid driver’s license along with the e-pass.For guests who did not print the pass, the gate attendant will issue a parking pass which will need to displayed on the dashboard during their visit. Members can log into their dwellingLIVE account online or through the mobile app and email their guest a pass.
- Pre-Printed guest passes
Those inviting guests into the community are encouraged to request pre-printed guest passes. Members can get pre-printed passes by submitting a list to the Canyon Lake POA’s Member Services office.
Complete the form online or provide a list to Member Services that includes; tract-lot number, date of visit, date of departure, member contact phone number, driver’s first and last name (as it appears on their license). Remember to put your request for pre-printed passes in at least one week before the holiday.
- Information for your guests
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.
- 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 and white buoys with lights around Skippers Island.
City Code Enforcement along with Marine Patrol will hold boats 350 feet from the buoys. The firework 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
Parks and beaches open at 6:00 a.m. There are no reservations. All parks are first come, first served. No personal possessions are allowed to be left at the parks and beaches after they close on July 3.
Pool Hours
On July 4, open swim hours at the pool are 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The pool will close promptly at 8:00 p.m. for the fireworks show and no one will be allowed in the pool deck area.
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 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 top priority, and strict enforcement of the law will be applied throughout the weekend.
Please be safe during the busy holiday and watch for neighbors, families, children, pets, etc. on the streets both before and after the show.