SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - Anticipation has been building for the 2017 Lake Murray Fireworks after a five-year hiatus of the event.
Back in 2012, several San Diego communities faced potential lawsuits regarding fireworks and water pollution. After the issue was settled, community members banded together in 2016 to bring the event back, raising money and getting the necessary permits.
"The community really, really rallied together and raised enough funds to put this event on," said 13-year-old Owen Dahlkamp, who's on the fireworks committee. "It's kind of my happy place."
Thanks to business sponsors and donations raised on a Go Fund Me page, the committee surpassed their $80,000 goal. Funds raised covered permits, security, law enforcement, road closures, live bands and the fireworks themselves. Any extra funding will go towards next year's event.
"Lake Murray is one of the hubs," said committee member, Brandy Kern. "It's where we run, it's where we play sports and now it's where we can celebrate Fourth of July together."
Patty and Larry Rios no longer live by Lake Murray but said they had to come back for the event because they enjoyed for years.
"It really brings the community together that's what we love about it," said Patty. "You have to get here really early though, six o'clock in the morning. But it's worth it."
On Wednesday morning the fireworks committee will be collecting shells from the fireworks. If anyone wants to help clean they will be along the lake with trash bags starting at 8 a.m.
