Getting ready for crowds on the 4th of July

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The 4th of July is the busiest day of the year in Canyon Lake, with thousands of guests entering the gates and spending the day at beaches, parks and backyard pools. The fireworks show is one of the best around, made doubly beautiful for being held over the lake. Those who have lived here a few years know that planning ahead is the key to enjoying this special day.

Here are tips from the Canyon Lake Property Owners Association to help residents know what to expect on the busy holiday:

• Holiday Guest Passes – Past year’s records show that more than 10,000 passes are issued over the July 4th holiday weekend, so Member Services and Community Patrol will be especially busy during that time.

Those inviting guests into the community during the busy holiday weekend are encouraged to request pre-printed guest passes. Members can get pre-printed passes by submitting a list to the Association’s Member Services office that includes: tract-lot number, date of visit, date of departure, member contact phone number, and guest’s first and last name (as it appears on their license). It is important to note that during the major holidays, such as July 4th, requests for pre-printed passes need to be submitted at least one week before The holiday.

• Information For Guests – It is important to remind your guests that they must have a valid driver’s license in their possession when entering the community. Also, advise your guests to know your address; this will help the gate guards verify information quicker.
• Gate Access and Guards – Community Patrol will have extra staff on hand at all three gates to help move the flow of traffic through the gates as quickly as possible. Additionally, the decal lanes will be open for guests with pre-printed passes on July 4th only.

There will be three lanes open at the East Gate. The North Gate and Main Gates will have additional staff on hand from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. to walk the line and assist guests with verifying passes and entering the community.

• Pre-Fireworks Show Traffic Notice

Beginning at 2 p.m. on July 4th, Longhorn Drive will be closed from Strawberry Lane to the Campground to all but emergency vehicles, residents of Longhorn and those staying at the Campground. Guests should be prepared to show their guest pass with their host’s address.

• Traffic Notices During Fireworks Show:

–No parking on Main, North or Longhorn Causeways.

–Village Way Closure: At approximately 8:30 p.m. Village Way will be closed to all vehicles except golf carts and emergency vehicles.

–Canyon Club and Lighthouse Drives: At approximately 9 p.m. Canyon Club Drive will be closed to all vehicles except golf carts and emergency vehicles.

• Traffic Notices Post-Fireworks Show:

–Village Way: Traffic exiting Village Way will only be able to turn right onto Canyon Lake Drive South.

–Vacation Drive: At the stop sign corner of Vacation Drive and Canyon Lake Drive North, vehicles will only be able to make a left turn onto Canyon Lake Drive.

–Exiting The Lodge: To allow traffic to exit out of the Lodge area, only emergency vehicles will be permitted to drive into the Lodge parking lot.

• Launching Boats – Unregistered boats are not permitted on the lake. Marine Patrol will be verifying boats for current registration at all launch ramps. Unregistered boats are subject to a $500 Marine Patrol fine. Those who need to have a safety inspection completed on their boats in order to register them should call Marine Patrol to schedule an appointment. Reminder: the Association’s offices will be closed on July 3 and 4.

There will be extra buoys out on the lake, specifically in the vicinity of Skippers Island to ensure boats are a safe distance from the fireworks.

• Parks and Beaches – The parks and beaches’ hours during the summer are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Please note that personal items should not be left at the parks or beaches before/after park hours. All picnic tables at Holiday Harbor have been reserved through a lottery system. However, the remainder of the park is first come, first served. Portable tables, chairs and canopies are allowed at the parks and may be set up when the park opens at 6 a.m. Saturday morning.
• Pool Hours – On July 4th, the pool will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. for Open Swim. Water Aerobics is cancelled. As a reminder, a valid POA card is required and the member must be in “good standing” to access the pool.
• The Lighthouse Restaurant and Bar – The Lighthouse Restaurant and Bar will be open on the 4th featuring an “All American Buffet.” Over the weekend there will be several food and drink specials. For more information, call 951-244-6841, ext. 771 or visit www.canyonlakelighthouse.com.
• Fireworks Show Reminders – Canyon Lake’s amazing fireworks show is scheduled to begin at approximately 9 p.m. Fireworks will be launched from Skipper’s Island by Pyro Spectaculars. From the pool deck area, Mike Shroyer of Good Time Entertainment will be playing music leading up to the show, and patriotic music will play in sync with the fireworks. Below are some helpful reminders:

Although the pool deck will be closed, spectators are welcome to watch the fireworks from the beach and walkway around the pool, as well as other waterfront parks that have a view facing Skipper’s Island in the Main Lake.

Residents and guests are reminded that cars and golf carts will not be allowed to park on any of the causeways at any time.

Boats must maintain a safe distance from Skipper’s Island during the fireworks. Boaters are asked to pay attention to directions from Marine Patrol and Police boats.

• Personal Fireworks Not Allowed – Riverside County and the City of Canyon Lake have deemed all unauthorized fireworks (including sparklers) illegal, enforcing a strict zero-tolerance policy on their use and possession, and making it a misdemeanor punishable by fines ranging from $500 to $1,000 and up to one year in jail. In addition, anyone who causes a fire by the use of fireworks will be financially responsible for all suppression costs.
• Taking Responsibility – Residents are reminded the prime member is responsible for the actions of his or her family, guests, renters and lessees, as well as for any citations incurring fines. Prime members are responsible to know the Rules and Regulations and are asked to be respectful of those in authority who are trying to enforce those rules.

The Association and City of Canyon Lake ask the public to cooperate with those in authority to help ensure a safe holiday. The personal safety and enjoyment of all residents and guests is their top priority, and strict enforcement of the law will be applied throughout the weekend.

For more information, call Member Services at 951-244-6841, ext. 310.