Fourth of July will culminate with a bang — literally — in Turlock this year as the annual fireworks show will once again be welcomed at California State University, Stanislaus after a five year hiatus — thanks to the collaborative partnership between the Turlock Chamber of Commerce, the City of Turlock and the university.

“We are delighted that CSU Stanislaus is again part of this holiday tradition,” said Associate Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs Tim Lynch. “We thank the Chamber of Commerce and the City of Turlock for taking the lead in presenting this event on our campus.”

After running the celebration for 24 years, the university announced back in 2009 that it would no longer be able to host the annual fireworks show—which cost an approximate $50,000 to produce—due to lack of funding and sponsors.

Although the fireworks are moving back to their original venue at the university this year, Turlock Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Sharon Silva still emanates gratitude for the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds, which made sure the tradition continued in difficult economic times.

“I’m very excited that President Joseph F. Sheley has opened up the campus to us as a community,” said Silva, “but I am still extremely grateful that the fairgrounds opened their doors and allowed us to continue the show for the period of time that it was not at the university.”

According to Silva, this year’s event will include bounce houses, a children area and live music prior to the firework display. Guests are also encouraged to have their own picnics while they wait, although alcohol and barbeques will not be allowed on campus.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to see people you may have not seen in a long time,” said Silva. “This event will celebrate independence and take time to reflect on people who make our free country possible.”

Although the fireworks will be visible throughout campus, visitors are encouraged to view them from the large grassy areas west of Fitzpatrick Arena. The fireworks will be launched from Lot 11A on the southeast end of campus.

The free Fourth of July Celebration at CSU Stanislaus will begin at 7 p.m. on July 4. The fireworks show, which will begin after sundown, will close out the night.

Parking for the event is free and uniformed officers will guide drivers where to go. Some areas will be off limits because of their proximity to the fireworks. Street parking on Monte Vista, Geer and Crowell Road will be prohibited starting the morning of July 3.

Monte Vista Avenue between Geer Road and Crowell Road will be closed starting at 6:30 p.m. on July 4. Access to the parking lots will be available from the south via Dels Lane, the east via Geer Road, the west via Crowell Road, and the north via Christofferson Parkway.

Additionally, prior to the evening’s fireworks show, community members can kick off their Fourth of July celebration at Turlock Downtown Property Owners Association’s Street Faire and Parade.

With primary sponsors including Smith Chevrolet Cadillac, the Turlock Convention and Visitors Bureau, Torre Reich Construction and Turlock Associated Police Officers, this year’s Street Faire will include a kids zone with face painting, bounce houses, human hamster balls, and balloon twisters.

According to TDPOA executive director Gina Loretelli, an assortment of food will also be available during the Street Faire, including wood-fired breakfast pizzas from 10 EAST, gourmet root beer floats, kettle corn and shaved ice.

“I think that it is patriotic and it is great for the community when everyone gets together,” said Loretelli. “This event shows that the community supports downtown and that downtown loves the community by hosting these great events.”

“The more that people attend these events, the more we want to do events for the community,” continued Loretelli.

The street faire will begin at 8 a.m. on July 4 in Central Park. The parade will begin at 10 a.m.