News

The SAMLARC Star Spangled Spectacular is a cherished tradition that celebrates Independence Day in our exceptional community. From the morning Bike & Trike Parade to a cappella performances of patriotic music, this event brings more than 10,000 people to the Lago Santa Margarita and Beach Club. After a full day of fun, community members enjoy a close-up fireworks display over the Lago Santa Margarita that pays tribute to our country! 

This year, we invite you to celebrate America’s heritage with a special, 2-Day Star Spangled Spectacular! Independence Day festivities will be held on July 4th and July 5th, with special activities at the Beach Club and Lakeshore on both days and breathtaking fireworks exclusively on July 5th! 

July 4th Fun in the Sun

• 6 AM | Picnic Blanket Placement | Save your spot for the July 5th fireworks show! Blankets can be placed around the Lake as early as 6 AM on July 4th. Items placed earlier than 6 AM on July 4th will be removed and held at the Beach Club for pick-up on July 6th. 
• 8 AM – 7 PM | Beach Club Access | Entry to the Beach Club is first-come, first-served (based on facility capacity, no wristbands required). The Beach Club will be open from 8 AM to 7 PM. 
• 10 AM | Patriotic Bike & Trike Parade | Dress up in red, white & blue and bring your bikes & trikes to the Lake. The parade will begin at the Beach Club and end at the Amphitheater, where ice-cold rocket pops will be waiting! Please remember that e-Bikes and electric vehicles are not permitted, and pets must remain leashed at all times. 
• 11 AM – 6 PM | Beach Club Activities | Enjoy summer fun, including DJ music, community grills, concessions, watercraft, lawn games, and – of course – swimming in the Lagoon! 

July 5th Red, White & Blue Bonanza 

• 11 AM – 9:30 PM | Exclusive Beach Club Access | Enjoy a second consecutive afternoon at the Lagoon featuring DJ music, community grills, watercraft, a balloon twister, games, and plenty of sun and sand! The Beach Club will open at 11 AM and activities begin at 3 PM! Access to the Beach Club on July 5th is limited to Members (and guests) with wristbands only. Register for the wristband lottery online on June 6th and 7th at SAMLARC.org/events  
• 5 – 8 PM | Lakeshore Fun | Take a stroll around the Lake for an evening featuring live music at the Amphitheater, photo opportunities, a balloon twister, food trucks, DJ music, glitter tattoo artists, face painters, and crafts! 
• 8:50 PM | Voice of SAMLARC Performance | Marvel at the musical talent of local singers! The winners of the 2024 Voice of SAMLARC singing contest will perform a cappella renditions of God Bless America and the Star-Spangled Banner before the fireworks show. Want to join this year’s competition? Register at SAMLARC.org/events!
• 9 PM | Keep your eyes on the sky and watch fireworks soar above the Lago Santa Margarita! Celebrate the end of a two-day extravaganza with friends, family, and a dazzling fireworks display. 

This year’s Star Spangled Spectacular spans both July 4th and 5th as a unique twist on community tradition. SAMLARC begins planning the Star Spangled Spectacular in January of each year due to the scale and operational complexity of the event. After several months of planning, SAMLARC was informed by its longstanding fireworks vendor that they would not be able to perform this year’s July 4th fireworks show due to a personnel shortage. In speaking with other communities and municipalities, SAMLARC discovered that several Southern California shows have also been impacted due to labor shortages and California’s stringent insurance and licensing requirements. Immediately after receiving the disappointing notice, the Board of Directors and SAMLARC team contacted over two dozen potential vendors; however, the availability of licensed vendors has been limited. Rather than canceling the show, the Board opted for a July 5th Fireworks celebration with Fireworks America, a local vendor with a reputation for dazzling displays. The decision to expand the Star-Spangled Spectacular event to a 2-day celebration allows families to enjoy both July 4th and July 5th in the community - with a dazzling Friday fireworks display.  SAMLARC and Fireworks America are excited to produce a fireworks show that brings the two-day celebration to a fantastic finale!  

We recognize the news is disappointing and thank you for your understanding as SAMLARC works to preserve the Star-Spangled Spectacular’s quality of excellence and fun. The Board of Directors looks forward to a unique festival of freedom, fun, and fireworks with family and neighbors. For more details on the 2-Day Star Spangled Spectacular, visit the website at SAMLARC.org/july-4th or contact info@samlarc.org.