Fourth of July-Independence Day

Clovis High School's Football Stadium was one of my favorite places to celebrate the Fourth of July for many years. In 1970 the Clovis High School Stadium was renamed Lamonica Stadium after Daryl Lamonica, (born in Fresno, California July 17, 1941) who lettered in four sports at CHS. Daryl went on to be a college and then pro quarterback for the AFL and the NFL. Daryl was offered the chance to play baseball for the Chicago Cubs, but decided on football.

First Visit to Lamonica Stadium

The first time I went to see the fireworks celebration at CHS was as a teenager with my family. We got hotdogs and beverages and went and sat up in the bleachers, while other people sat on blankets on the grounds of the stadium. You could buy your food or bring in your own ice chest filled with food and sit on a blanket or lawn chairs in the grass. We learned quickly that first year that the best place to be was on the grounds. As the fireworks were set off, the smoke drifted right over to were we were sitting. We still had a great time. There was live entertainment, (a band playing music and even people dancing), until dusk. Then everyone stood for the National Anthem before the fireworks began. It was a spectacular fireworks display.

My Second Fourth of July Celebration.

The second time I went to Lamonica Stadium was with my first real boyfriend on our first real date. I knew now the best place to sit was in the grass with a blanket after getting your food and beverages, it was quite cozy. There was of course live entertainment again, a band playing music and people dancing to My Achy Breaky Heart by Billy Ray Cyrus. It was a great place for people of all ages to celebrate. Of course we all stood again for the National Anthem and also God Bless the U.S.A., (one of my favorite songs). It almost brought tears to my eyes and I felt proud to be an American. Then the fireworks began and once again it was an awesome display and a really special first date. The celebration is now held at the new high school, Buchanan.

This Year-July 2006

If you don't feel like driving over, packing a picnic dinner or paying to see the fireworks you can do what me and my roommate did this year. We climbed a ladder up on to the top of the roof of our house. The fireworks were a little farther away, but still a good show for free!

So, if you're ever in Clovis visiting or have never gone to the fireworks display at the high school, I highly recommend it. They put on a great show!