ESCONDIDO -- The city's annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration narrowly escaped the budget axe this spring, and the event will take place from 3 to 10 p.m. as usual next month at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido.

City officials slashed funding for several nonprofit community groups and events this spring, including the Grape Day Festival, military band concerts, local high school Grad Nites and First Night Escondido.

But they decided certain events were too important to community spirit and local quality of life.

"The Fourth of July is an important tradition," Mayor Lori Holt Pfeiler said last week. "We need to say that we are proud to be Americans."

In contrast, Oceanside decided in February to cancel its Fourth of July seaside fireworks display, saving at least the $40,000 price tag for the production. The city could also save additional money in police overtime if holiday crowds leave Oceanside beaches early to search out fireworks elsewhere.

Oceanside typically sees crowds of roughly 150,000 on the Fourth of July, and a shoreline fireworks show had been offered in the city since as early as 1903.

Other displays in North County, including Vista, Poway, San Marcos and Fallbrook, will continue to go on as usual this year.

Organizers of the Escondido show were facing the possibility of a similar fate when the city decided last summer to begin levying an $11,000 security fee to cover police officers for the event.

City officials said their goal was cost recovery, but they eventually relented on the security fee and agreed to continue providing about $7,000 in cash for the roughly $30,000 display.

Joe Watt, a member of American Legion Post 149 who organizes the show, said last week that he was pleased the event has survived.

From 3 to 7 p.m., there will be live music, art displays, magicians and square dancing. From 7 to 9 p.m., there will be speeches by Pfeiler and others followed by gymnasts and the Marine Band San Diego. The fireworks are slated to run from 9 to 9:25 p.m.

Call staff writer David Garrick at 760-740-5468.

Fourth of July celebrations

Escondido -- California Center for the Arts, Escondido: 3 to 10 p.m. Free. Bands and other festivities will precede the 9 p.m. fireworks.

Fallbrook -- The Grand Tradition: 4 to 9 p.m. Cost is $25 per adult and $10 per child. Includes fireworks and a concert.

Poway -- Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. at Poway High School. Admission is $2, but free for children younger than 11. Viewing and simulcast at Lake Poway. Preceded by an Old Fashioned Fourth of July celebration in Old Poway Park from 10 a.m to 4 p.m.

San Marcos -- Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. in Bradley Park. Free. Preceded by a comedy magic show, live music, carnival games and jump houses beginning at 5 p.m.

Vista -- Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. in Brengle Terrace Park. Parking is $5 per vehicle, but free shuttles come from Vista High School.