Recession couldn't stop an annual Hanford tradition Saturday night: The July Fourth fireworks show at Hanford High's Neighbor Bowl. In fact, it might have provided more motivation.

The extravaganza gave community sponsors, the city of Hanford and crowds of people the chance to temporarily get their minds off the bad news.

Lemoore had its own celebration, including a morning parade, pie-eating contests, patriotic choir singing and other entertainment.

"There's a lot of bad stuff going on in the nation, but once in awhile you've got to do something good," said Hanford resident Sherrie Patterson, watching the Hanford display from a camp chair at Earl F. Johnson Park.

Nationwide, many cash-strapped communities axed their fireworks shows amid dwindling tax revenue, a slowing economy and falling home prices.

Not Hanford.

Some 57 businesses, individuals and other organizations chipped in an estimated $31,000 to pay for the no-admission-fee event, which included patriotic music, bounce houses, food and children's games before the sun went down and the colorful mid-air displays began.

Thousands watched from inside the stadium, and thousands more watched from surrounding neighborhoods.

"It's turned into a tradition in Hanford. People who were kids, now they're bringing their grandkids," said Wayne Kuhn, president of the Hanford Community Fireworks Committee.

Tradition might not do justice to the record of Jeri Sheek, a Lemoore resident who hasn't missed the show in more than three decades.

Sheek, like many, made it a family affair. She came with her mother, Arla Waymire, son Trevor Flores and husband Jimmy.

"We've never been disappointed," Sheek said.

She said she had no problem with the city spending $5,000 to help put on the event.

Sheek said she put money into a donation bucket at the entrance.

"I wouldn't know what to do if this wasn't here. We donate every time we come here because it's such a worthwhile cause," Sheek said.

At least 90 percent of last year's sponsors returned to assist this year, along with some new organizations, according to Kuhn.

He believes last year's scare -- the show was initially canceled for lack of funds, then reinstated when people came forward to save it -- helped get the word out.

"I would say that people were extremely generous," he said.

Fireworks fans say it was worth every penny.

"A lot of people don't have money to do fireworks at home. So everybody gets to come here and not worry about it," said Rose Modesto, who was seated inside the stadium with her boyfriend, Baltazar Cortez.

"If Los Angeles can pay for Michael Jackson's funeral, we can certainly pay for some fireworks for us," Patterson said.

(July 5, 2009)