Stockton Ports sell out, Fourth of July Fireworks light up the sky
STOCKTON — The heat did not slow down Fourth of July celebrations in San Joaquin County. That started with the annual parade and ended with fireworks lighting up the sky over Banner Island Ballpark.
The family-friendly day of events is a tradition in Stockton—even triple-digit temperatures and a heatwave didn't stop the celebrations or fans from attending the festivities.
"This is Stockton. It might be 111 to 112 today, but we're definitely used to the heat in the summer," said Matt Beckwith, a Stockton resident.
The grand marshal for the parade was Stockton native Jose M. Hernandez, a former NASA astronaut.
The festival at the Weber Point Event Center brought people ice cream, aguas frescas and water to cool down. Hundreds of Stocktonians packed under trees to find shade during the annual parade.
As the sun set in Stockton and temperatures dropped, fans turned out to Banner Island Ballpark to see the Stockton Ports take on the San Jose Giants. The game was sold out and even with a 105-degree temperature for the first pitch, fans found shade and stayed until the breeze picked up.
"Fan safety is the most important thing on a day like this," said Chris Zavaglio, the Stockton Ports assistant general manager.
By the third inning, temperatures dropped below 100 degrees and there was a breeze. The stadium offers a free water filling station for reusable bottles.
Fans told CBS13 that the game offers entertainment that is hard to find: professional sports that are affordable and close to home.
"The price is good. The people are good. It's a more welcoming place you could ever want to be," said John Costa, a Ports fan.
The Ports hosted one of the longest fireworks shows in the region, clocking in at 30 minutes. It was a draw for first-time fans experiencing a Ports game for the first time on the holiday.
