After ten years of ever-increasing production quality in the delivery of the July 4 festivities, Ladera Ranch Community Services (LARCS) will deliver an Independence Day celebration bigger and better than ever as the Ladera Ranch X comes to its year long finale.

The fireworks show this year will include roughly double the ordnance as previous years which will be synchronized with special effects lighting and videos displayed on four huge 16 by 9-foot screens. “If people are planning to watch the show from anywhere other than Founders Park, they will be missing about 75% of the show,” said finale show producer Jeff Blugrind. Blugrind, who volunteered his time to produce the finale, is a an award winning technical producer/director and is also the elected President of the LARMAC Board of Directors. "With the addition of lights and video this year's Ladera Ranch X fireworks finale will be something you would expect if you were at a certain park in Anaheim," joked Blugrind.

This year's production isn't just limited to a doubly-explosive video-integrated fireworks show. The entire day, from 10:30AM to 10:00PM will feature parades, rides, attractions, food, and many more activities for Ladera Ranch's residents and their guests.
New this year, the festivities offer something exclusively for Ladera's growing teen population. “This year LARCS has partnered with Game On to create a fun area for teens only – The Game On Gaming Zone,” said Susan Jones, LARCS Executive Director of Community Services. “They can play several Wii and Xbox games as well as ping pong, pool and more. Game On has actually started tournaments with the finals being held at our 4th of July Celebration.”

Kids of all ages will be able to enjoy a variety of activities. According to LARCS, the attractions have been expanded to include airbrush tattoo artists, caricature artists, a Euro Bungee, swirling Orbitrons, a water race and carnival games plus a BMX bike demonstration.. Most activities will open at noon and all activities will close at 8pm.

Several shows are planned for the main stage area including a juggling show for kids and a one man band. Residents and guests can sign up to compete in fun games like a Pie Eating Contest. At 6pm, 80’s cover band, Knyght Ryder, will take the stage to lead Ladera into the fireworks show.

Food vendors include Ladera Ranch favorites, Jerry's Wood-fired Dogs and Luscious Jimmy's Barbeque. Infusion Restaurant owners Claire and Lonny Shepard will debut food from their up-coming opening of “Casa Ranchero”, a sit-down mexican cantina due to open late summer in Mercantile West. Dairen Shelton, a 10-year resident of Ladera Ranch and owner of Juice It Up! and Swirlz Frozen Yogurt will be offering cold tasty treats all day. Additional concession vendors will have July 4 favorites such as cotton candy, kettle corn, caramel apples, funnel cakes, ice cream and more.

According to LARCS, 10th Anniversary Sponsors have contributed over $75,000 toward the production of this year's July 4 event, with additional funding provided directly by LARCS. As with all LARCS events though, volunteerism is a critical element to the success of any event. Volunteers this year are being recognized with perks such as access to a VIP seating area, complimentary beverages and t-shirts. Volunteers for all LARCS events are needed. To become a Ladera “Ranch Hand” volunteer, residents can sign up on LaderaLife.

Founder's park does not open until 6AM on July 4, and according to LARCS, overnight security will remove any blankets, chairs or personal belongings placed before then. Several roads will be closed surrounding the park starting early in the morning due to the 3rd Annual Freedom Run at the Ranch. Several roads will re-open following the races, but the areas immediately adjacent to Founder's Park will remain closed. LARCS and the Sheriff encourages residents and guests to park legally and respectfully and walk to the park. No shuttle service will be available.

The 4th of July Parade will begin at 10:30AM at Town Green near Pavillions and Mercantile West and proceed down Sienna Parkway to the Avendale Clubhouse. The parade will feature neighborhood themes, a bike parade, and awards will be given for most original theme and best use of the “X” theme.

UPDATED:  Below is the video introduction to the fireworks, courtesy of Jeff  Blugrind, Beacon Point Productions: