by Mark Smiley
On July 2, 2024, the Greater Glendale Chamber of Commerce hosted a private fireworks viewing party in the spectacular Try Club at Infinity Park. Nearly 275 guests converged on the facility to enjoy a true VIP experience.
For the third year in a row, the City of Glendale launched the fireworks from the South end of Infinity Park which, as Glendale City Manager Chuck Line calls it, a more intimate experience. The city capped attendance at 4,000 inside the stadium to allow for more room for guests to spread out and offer a relaxed atmosphere. An additional estimated 9,000 people viewed the show from the south park.
“The fireworks proximity to the people and playing the movie [Independence Day] beforehand enhanced the experience, and we foresee doing this for many years to come,” said Line. “Guests inside the park cheered when they destroyed the aliens in the movie and then 15 minutes later we blew off the fireworks. I loved that we were able to provide this for the community. It was a very patriotic 
night.”
Line is already thinking about next year. “Next year will be even better and go to another level,” said Line. “We may allow more people into the stadium and a different movie will be played.”
While the fireworks are not blown as high in the sky as years past, the view from the field where spectators are allowed in with their own picnic, is spectacular. Line admits that viewing from surrounding neighborhoods has diminished but it makes for an easier setup and tear down. Managing the street closures and crowds is more expedited as well. Traffic was cleared after the show within 30 minutes. “Police and public works do a phenomenal job,” said Line. “A lot of preparation goes into this show and they executed flawlessly.”
As far as the private party
for chamber members, they were treated to BBQ from Six Capital Brewing, bottomless popcorn courtesy of the Bull & Bush Brewery, a photo booth from Wild Pearl Photo Booth Co. sponsored by The Alchemy Group, lawn games on the terrace, and a prize wheel with many goodies from Chamber members.
Guests were also treated to bundt cakes from Nothing Bundt Cakes. “Nothing Bundt Cakes have been a strong supporter of our Chamber and the community at large throu
gh the years”, said Jeff Allen, COO, Greater Glendale Chamber of Commerce. “The bundt cakes were a wonderful addition to our already spectacular VIP party. An event I would say is one of the best ever in our 25 year history.”
Chamber members had access to the air-conditioned Try Club and conference room and the entire concourse where they played cornhole, ladder toss, putt putt golf, networked while enjoying a libation from Scrum Enterprises, and, of course, watched the fireworks.
The Chamber has a long history of hosting fireworks parties for its members and this year’s event at the Try Club was one of the most memorable and the third year in a row in the Try Club courtesy of the City of Glendale. For more information about the Chamber or to join to ensure an invitation for next year, visit www.ggchamber.com.