After a year’s respite because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Rose Bowl was once again on Sunday, July 4 the site of what organizers believe is the largest 4th of July fireworks show in Southern California.
It was the 95th iteration of the AmericaFest Celebration, although not consecutively at the stadium. Prompted by the pandemic, last year’s event switched to a virtual format last year.
“The Rose Bowl Stadium is so iconic for many things, but the annual AmericaFest is an eventthat brings all of Pasadena and beyond, together,” Mayor Victor Gordo said in a news release. “(W)e are thrilled to once again welcome Pasadena back home to celebrate America, at America’s Stadium.”
The theme of this year’s annual celebration was “Celebrating America’s Perseverance.”
The venue partnered with nearby Jet Propulsion Laboratory to highlight its recent accomplishment in landing NASA’s Perseverance rover on Mars. The festivities also included a 30-minute show from TNT Freestyle Motocross and a tribute to U.S. veterans, active military personnel, as well those who died in the line of duty.
In addition, American soul singer, Mendelyev, a former contender on NBC’s “The Voice,” gave an hour-long, musical performance.