Latest news with #FoodieLand
Eater
6 days ago
- Business
- Eater
A Vendor Is Accusing the Bite of Seattle of Favoritism and High Fees
It's been a couple of years since there's been any controversy around the Bite of Seattle, the city's most popular and longest-running food festival. In 2023, the Bite returned from a pandemic-induced hiatus under the ownership of Cheq, an obscure digital payment startup, and the festival that year was marred by poor logistics and glitches involving the Cheq app. Cheq then sold the Bite to experienced fest operator FoodieLand, who has been running it ever since. Now Fox 13 has reports of fresh complaints from vendors and customers at this year's Bite, which was held at the end of July. Guests at the admission-free event complained on social media about high prices and a lack of local vendors. One anonymous vendor told Fox 13 that prime spots were given to 'out-of-state vendors who regularly follow FoodieLand's nationwide festival circuit,' the local news channel reported. Vendors also have to agree to use a payment system that takes a 21 to 29 percent commission. 'The anonymous vendor also claimed that FoodieLand sent in 'secret shoppers' to monitor compliance. Vendors who accepted cash and failed to log transactions in the official system were allegedly removed from the festival mid-event,' Fox 13 wrote. Additionally, an arts and crafts vendor was burglarized during the event. In a statement, FoodieLand told Fox 13 that 'all participating vendors agree in advance to use a common point-of-sale system, a standard practice for major festivals,' adding, 'We stand behind the integrity of this event — food vendors and artists who make it such a huge success year after year. So, it's especially disappointing to hear of the anonymous complaint from one of the nearly 300 vendors who participated.' Homer looks after its own When acclaimed Beacon Hill restaurant Homer had to close due to a fire earlier this summer, it was a blow to the business, but the employees were taken care of. The South Seattle Emerald reports that co-owners Sara Knowles and Logan Cox pressured their insurer to cover not just the cost of employees' wages but their tips as well, ensuing they were all paid for the eight weeks the restaurant was closed. 'While corporations with record profits continue to axe jobs at will, Homer, a small, independent restaurant, chose to embody care,' wrote Emerald publisher Marcus Harrison Green. Panda Express testing 'spiciest-ever' dish in Seattle If you can't stand the heat, get out of the Panda Express! The Chinese fast food chain has picked Seattle as one of the markets to test out its 'Dynamite Sweet & Sour Chicken,' marketed as Panda Express's spiciest dish ever. The spice comes from Buldak, reports the San Diego Union-Tribune, a sauce made by South Korea's Samyang Foods, which is partnering with Panda Express on the dish. The downtown waterfront is getting another taproom Finally, Puget Sound Business Journal has news of yet another brewery expansion on the revamped downtown waterfront. Ballard-based Urban Family Brewing Co. is opening a massive 8,500-square-foot taproom next to Pier 55, where it will serve 'a selection of fruited beers and hazy IPAs, along with craft cocktails and local wines,' plus coffee in the mornings and an in-house food menu, reports the Journal. No opening date has been set, but it will open before the World Cup next year. When it opens, it'll be in the same neighborhood as the huge new Reuben's taproom that debuted last month. Eater Seattle All your essential food and restaurant intel delivered to you Email (required) Sign Up By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
CBS News
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Southern California 4th of July events: Here is where to celebrate
It's time to celebrate the red, white and blue. While some local events have been canceled this Fourth of July, there are plenty of options to mark the holiday - at both ticketed and free events. Here's a rundown of the July 4th celebrations in Los Angeles County and much of Southern California, from Ventura County to the Inland Empire. Los Angeles County Hollywood Bowl: "July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular with Earth Wind & Fire" at 7:30 p.m. Together with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and a sky full of fireworks, it's July Fourth at the Bowl. Gate time is 5:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here. Rose Bowl: "Fourth of July with FoodieLand" from 3 to 10 p.m. FoodieLand is the "ultimate family-friendly outdoor food festival" with something for everyone. Experience foods and flavors from a diverse selection of cuisines, shop unique merchandise from small businesses, play some games, and watch live on-stage performances. Event tickets are $12 and available only through Eventbrite and must be purchased online before arriving at the event. FoodieLand runs from July 4-6 at the Pasadena Rose Bowl. Long Beach waterfront: Queen Mary fireworks show from 9 to 9:30 p.m. Enjoy the Queen Mary's fireworks show all along the waterfront, with viewing points in Shoreline Aquatic Park, Shoreline Village, Rainbow Harbor and Marina Green. Parking is available at various paid lots. The 30-minute display begins at 9 p.m. Check here for more details. San Pedro: Ringing of Korean Bell of Friendship: Ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m., Angels Gate Park, 3601 S. Gaffey St. John Olguin Fireworks Show: 9- 11 p.m., Saturday, July 5 A fireworks show takes place Saturday night at Pier 46 with views from Cabrillo Beach and surrounding areas. Tickets are available for purchase, which include barbecue dining and seating at the Cabrillo Beach Youth Waterfront Sports Center, 3000 Shoshonean Road. More information is available here. Marina Del Rey: 4th of July Fireworks Show from 9 to 9:20 p.m. Celebrate Independence Day with a 20-minute fireworks show over the water. The show is from 9 to 9:20 p.m. Holiday parking rates apply on July 4 and range from $11 to $20 at public lots throughout the Marina, Venice and Dockweiler. Check here for more details. Redondo Beach: The King Harbor 4th of July Fireworks Show at 9 p.m. The City of Redondo Beach hosts its annual fireworks show at the Redondo Beach Pier, set to begin at 9 p.m. Several road closures will be in place surrounding the pier until about 11:30 p.m. on July 4. Avalon/ Catalina Island: Fourth of July celebrations take place on land on water throughout the day from 1 to 9:30 p.m. Activities include a 1 p.m. Golf Cart Parade, followed by a 3:30 dinghy parade on the water. The Wrigley Stage has live music from 3 to 9 p.m. with a fireworks show over Avalon Bay scheduled at approximately 9 p.m. More information available here. Pomona Fairplex: "Fairplex presents KABOOM!" from 4 to 9:15 p.m. KABOOM!" is a July 4th celebration with monster trucks, tuff trucks, motocross, food, music – and fireworks in the Inland Valley. Tickets are available, and prices range from $14 to $42. Event details are available here. Claremont: 4th of July Festival & Parade / Concert & Fireworks Show from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Claremont's biggest event is turning 75, and celebrations kick off in the morning with a pancake breakfast and continue through the day with a parade and concluding with the grand finale fireworks show at 9 p.m. Check here for more details. Orange County Anaheim: Fourth of July Celebration from 7 9 p.m. Events take place from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Peralta Canyon Park and Canyon High School. Activities include a morning run, and a dog show. The afternoon continues with a parade, entertainment, and food -- with the grand finale fireworks show at 9 p.m. More Info available here. Huntington Beach: Fireworks over the ocean at 9 p.m. Seating on the Huntington Beach pier opens at 7:30 p.m. and is available through the purchase of a general admission ticket. No alcohol is permitted and coolers and bags are subject to inspection. Find more information here. Irivine: Fourth of July Celebration at the Great Park from 4 to 10 p.m. The inaugural event features a community parade, live entertainment, hands-on activities and a nighttime high-tech drone show choreographed to music at 8:45 p.m. A fireworks show takes place at 9:45 p.m. Food and drinks can be purchased at food trucks and local food booths throughout the day, as well as at The Layover. Admission and parking are free. Check here for more details. Mission Viejo: 2025 July 4th Street Faire & Fireworks Spectacular from noon to 9 p.m. The annual Street Faire and Fireworks Spectacular takes place on Olympiad between Marguerite and Melinda, starting with main stage entertainment. Activities include rides, game booths, vendor booths and food trucks. The fireworks display kicks off at 9 p.m. A complimentary shuttle service will run from 1 to 8:00 p.m., with stops located around Lake Mission Viejo. For more info, check here. Tustin: Fourth of July Celebration from 5 to 9 p.m. The City of Tustin is celebrating July 4th with the community at Tustin High School Stadium. There will be live music, food trucks and a 9 p.m. fireworks show, with proceeds from a $10 parking fee going to the Tustin High Dance Team. Check here for more information. Santa Ana: Fourth of July celebration at Centennial Park from 5 to 9 p.m. The City of Santa Ana is celebrating the 4th of July with its annual event at Centennial Park. Activities include live music, food vendors, inflatables and a fireworks show at 8:45 p.m. On-site parking is free, but limited. More info available here. Fullerton: July 4th Celebration in downtown Fullerton Plaza from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fullerton's 4th of July celebration begins with a 9 a.m. to noon car show and picks up again at 5 p.m. for live entertainment through the evening until a fireworks show at 9 p.m. Food and beverages are also available for purchase throughout the plaza area. Check here for more info. La Habra: Fourth of July Celebration at La Bonita Park from 4 to 9 p.m. The City of La Habra's annual 4th of July Celebration takes place at La Bonita Park with gates opening at 4 p.m. Live music starts at 6 p.m. and other event highlights include food and retail vendors, "Kidchella", a WWII Texan Aircraft Flyover, and a 9 p.m. fireworks display. Ticket prices range from $8 (kids) to $10 (13 and up). For more information, check here. Ventura County Simi Valley: Star Spangled Firework Show at Santa Susana Community Park from 3 to 8 p.m. The Kiwanis Club of Simi Valley is hosting Simi Valley's Star Spangled Rock & Country Jam & Fireworks Extravaganza! The event features a free FunZone for kids, vendors, alcoholic beverages, food, and live music. For more info check here. Camarillo: Fireworks at Camarillo Premium Outlets at 9 p.m. The city of Camarillo is hosting a free fireworks show at the Camarillo Premium Outlets parking lots on July 4 starting at 9:00 p.m. The event is open to the public and is best viewed from the outlet parking lots and surrounding areas. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early as spaces are first-come, first-served and cannot be reserved. Details available here. Ventura: Fourth of July Fireworks Show & Family Picnic at Ventura College from 5 to 9 p.m. The Ventura Fireworks Show & Family Picnic spreads across several acres at the Ventura College Athletic Fields and includes live music, food trucks, a kids' fun zone, and a 9 p.m. fireworks show. Gates open at 5 pm. And ticket sales end at 8:45 p.m. Tickets available for purchase here. Oxnard: Fireworks by the Sea at the Channel Islands Harbor from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. A 10:30 a.m. family parade kicks off the day's festivities, with an expanded Farmers Market featuring food, local crafts, fresh produce. The day's activities conclude with a 9 p.m. fireworks show on the harbor's waterfront. More details can be found here. Inland Empire Yucaipa: Fourth of July Firework Show from 6 to 9 p.m. The 4th of July Firework Show takes place at Yucaipa High School and includes free games and activities, retail vendors, and a 9 p.m. fireworks show. Gates open at 6 p.m., parking is $15, paid on-site, and is card only. More information can be found here. Victorville: Fourth of July Freedom Festival from 5 to 9:30 p.m. The San Bernardino County Fair Freedom Festival takes place on festival grounds, at 14800 7th Street, with gates opening at 5 p.m. There will be food, drinks, music, and a fireworks show at 9 p.m. Admission is free. More details available here. Upland: The 2025 Light Up the Night Fireworks Spectacular from 5 to 10 p.m. Light Up The Night Fireworks Spectacular takes place at Cable Airport and includes live music, food, a beer garden, a Kids Zone, retail shopping, a glow dance party, and a grand finale synchronized fireworks show at 9 p.m. Tickets are available here. Moreno Valley: Fourth of July Parade & Funfest from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. The 2025 Fourth of July Celebration begins in the morning with a parade from 9:30 a.m. to noon at Frederick Street and Alessandro Boulevard. Activities continue at the city of Moreno Valley's Civic Center Amphitheater with gates opening at 3 p.m. There's a Kids Zone, live bands, and a 9 p.m. fireworks show. Entry is $4 per person, but it could be cut off if the venue reaches maximum capacity. More information is available here. Temecula: Fourth of July Fireworks & Family Fun from 2 to 10 p.m. Family fun and fireworks take place at the Ronald Regan Sports Park, with festivities starting at 2 p.m. There will be food, live entertainment, and plenty of activities for children before a fireworks show at 9 p.m. More details here. Corona: Fourth of July Independence Day Celebration from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Corona's traditional "Main Street U.S.A Parade" begins at 9 a.m. at Ontario and Main streets, featuring law enforcement units, fire engines, marching bands, and more. Starting at 5 p.m., Santana Park will celebrate with music, food, a kids' inflatable obstacle course, and a fireworks show at 9 p.m. Check here for more info. Fireworks shows are scheduled at the following locations with an approximate 9 p.m. start: Banning: Nicolet Middle School, 101 E. Nicolet St.; Beaumont: Town Center, Sixth and Eighth streets; Indio: Empire Polo Grounds, 81-800 51st Ave.; Lake Elsinore: Lakepoint Park, 420 Lakeshore Drive; Palm Desert: Civic Center Park, Fred Waring Drive and San Pablo Avenue; Palm Springs: Sunrise Park, 1901 E. Baristo Road; Palm Springs Stadium: 1901 Baristo Road; Rancho Mirage: Agua Caliente Casino Resort & Spa, 32-250 Bob Hope Drive; Riverside: La Sierra Park, 5215 La Sierra Ave.; Riverside: Mount Rubidoux, Mount Rubidoux Drive and Ninth Street; and Temecula: Pechanga Resort Casino, 45000 Pechanga Parkway.
Los Angeles Times
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
No more fireworks? Big change coming to 4th of July at Pasadena's Rose Bowl
Marking the end of a longtime tradition, the Fourth of July celebration at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena will not feature a fireworks show this year. Instead, there will be a drone show. The move comes as some venues have switched from fireworks to drone shows — in which a fleet of drones performs a choreographed light show — to celebrate the 4th of July. But drone shows have fallen flat for some. Notably Redondo Beach and Laguna Beach switched back to fireworks after trying out drone shows, and some promoters of fireworks shows have voiced criticism over efforts to transition to drone shows. For Pasadena, it's a big change — the Rose Bowl Independence Day fireworks show was touted as one of the largest in the region, and was viewable not only in the stadium but also the surrounding area. A soccer match preceded the fireworks show on the last two July 4th holidays. Before that, the Rose Bowl fireworks were the highlight of the decades-old AmericaFest celebration, but AmericaFest ended following substantial financial losses, according to news reports. Other than the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, 'this is the first time in many, many years — I've been here 23 years — and this is first year where we will have no fireworks at the Rose Bowl,' Pasadena city spokesperson Lisa Derderian said at a news briefing Wednesday. 'There will be a drone show. If you attend the event, you won't be able to see it from outside the Rose Bowl area.' In a further change, there won't be a soccer match this year at the Rose Bowl on Independence Day. A Galaxy-LAFC match was held in 2023 and 2024. Instead, the venue will host the food-and-entertainment festival FoodieLand. Derderian urged people not to head to the area surrounding the Rose Bowl, unless they have a ticket for FoodieLand. The change comes amid concerns about fireworks causing unhealthful air. The South Coast Air Quality Management District has previously said pollution levels of fine particles soar on July 4 and 5 — the worst of the year. Fireworks shows remain a staple in other parts of California, including in San Diego and San Francisco. But in Long Beach, this year may be the last Big Bang on the Bay fireworks show. The California Coastal Commission approved a permit for the event on May 9 with a major proviso. From 2026 to 2029, the 20-minute pyrotechnic display, which launches from a barge in Alamitos Bay, will be dropped in favor of a drone show. 'This year could be the final year of fireworks over the bay,' said the event's website, which says the event raises money for nonprofits that benefit Long Beach's youth. Big Bang on the Bay has been held annually since 2011, after the city of Long Beach ended fireworks displays at Veterans Stadium in north Long Beach, according to a Coastal Commission staff report. In its presentation, commission staff said birds were disturbed during past fireworks displays and that 'a recent study concluded that fireworks can result in nest abandonment, caused fledging birds to fall out of nests, and cause birds to experience disrupted sleep and increased distress, vigilance and fear.' Staff also expressed concerns about fireworks debris landing in the environment and concluded that 'a drone show would result in fewer adverse environmental impacts.' John Morris, the organizer of the event and a restaurant owner, told commissioners at the May 9 meeting he was skeptical that the community would be as willing to donate significant money for future drone shows. 'I just have the mindset, I'm a fireworks guy. And I raised the money from all the houses around the bay,' Morris said at the meeting. 'I got 300 houses around the bay to write checks. ... Will half of them write a check for drones? I don't know. If this is what it means, I'll try it.' But he noted that both Redondo Beach and Laguna Beach returned to fireworks after trying out drone shows. 'I love watching a drone show,' he said. 'I've seen a couple of them. They're great, but they're not July 4th.' Justin Cummings, the chair of the Coastal Commission during the May meeting, said that drone shows' emergence indicate they are a feasible alternative to fireworks. 'We are seeing drone shows pop up all over the country, and they're really demonstrating to be a successful alternative to fireworks,' Cummings, also a Santa Cruz County supervisor, said at the meeting. Cummings' tenure on the commission ended after the May meeting. Commissioners asked to be informed of any drop in financial support for the 2026 drone show as compared to previous fireworks shows. San Diego's Big Bay Boom has received permission from the Coastal Commission to continue with fireworks shows this year and in 2026 — which happens to be the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. But commissioners in February required the organizers of the show to do a study of transitioning to drone shows or other alternatives to fireworks for 2027 and beyond. Coastal Commission staff said during last year's San Diego fireworks, California least terns and their fledglings became agitated and left their nest to run or fly; staff also said fireworks debris can impair water quality and that wildlife may entangle themselves in the debris, or ingest it. In the meantime, the Port of San Diego — one of the sponsors of the Big Bay Boom — has agreed to reduce the annual maximum weight of fireworks that can be launched this year from fireworks shows launched from the waters of San Diego Bay. Current Port of San Diego rules rules allow for up to 47 total fireworks shows over the course of a year, utilizing up to 9,056 pounds of fireworks, Coastal Commission staff said at the panel's February meeting. The port has agreed to reduce that annual weight total by 15% this year, representing a reduction of 1,358 pounds. The cap will be reduced by another 5% for 2026. 'All reduction will be from fireworks shows launched from coastal waters, as those are more impactful to water quality than shows launched from land,' according to commission staff. However, there were an average of 18 fireworks shows a year in San Diego Bay between 2021 and 2024 — far lower than the maximum number of shows allowed. Nevertheless, commission staff called the port's planned reduction in the cap of fireworks that can be launched from the water 'a good faith effort to lessen the impacts of fireworks in San Diego Bay and shift away from regular fireworks shows.' Times staff writer Karen Garcia contributed to this report.
