Moorpark celebrates annual 3rd of July with fireworks show

The city of Moorpark kept up its annual "3rd of July" celebration with a fireworks show that brought thousands of people out in attendance.

An estimated 12,000 people showed up at Arroyo Vista Community Park, where games, food, and fireworks were all available.

Nobody knows when the tradition began, but locals told FOX 11 the celebration helps give the city an identity.

"Moorpark started out as a super tiny town and we have Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks right around us, and Moorpark is super tiny, so third of July is much less competitive for fireworks on Fourth of July," one woman said.

"July third is really incredible day, it's the day before independence, but more importantly we can come out to Moorpark, it's safe, we can watch a great firework show with family and friends, and come together, rather than be out there with illegal fireworks," a man said.

Reporter Bill Melugin shows all the sights and sounds from the event in the video story above.

Copyright 2017 FOX 11 Los Angeles: Download our mobile app for breaking news alerts or to watch FOX 11 News | Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Be a citizen journalist for FOX 11 and get paid - download the Fresco News App today.