Big Bear Lake businesses optimistic about 4th of July after slow winter seasons  

BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif. (KABC) -- With the Fourth of July approaching, American flags are on display across Big Bear Lake as residents, visitors and businesses prepare for Independence Day celebrations.

Local tourism leaders say the holiday comes at a critical time for the mountain community, which depends heavily on seasonal visitors.

"We are a tourism economy, plain and simple," said Travis Scott, CEO of Visit Big Bear. "That's what Big Bear Lake is."

Scott said about 70% of the area's business typically comes during the winter snow season, but the last three winters have fallen short.

"We're seeing small businesses who have changed hands or have closed doors. And so it really does have a big impact on us," Scott said.

Business owners and employees in the Big Bear Village described a slow winter, citing a lack of snowfall as a major factor.

"People love to come up here to enjoy the slopes," said Joeleen Pinto, a store employee at Queen Bee Honey Bee. "And as much as we would love for them to come up here, there was no snow for them enjoy the slope as much as usual."

Despite the challenges, some businesses are optimistic about the summer season and the influx of holiday visitors.

"We're super excited because, you know, our business relies on our tourists coming up here," Pinto said.

One of the biggest attractions for visitors is the annual fireworks show over the lake, a tradition that has been held for 60 years. However, the display has recently drawn scrutiny due to concerns about wildlife in the area.

Officials say efforts are being made to reduce any potential impact, particularly near a nesting site occupied by bald eagles known locally as Jackie and Shadow, along with their two eaglets.

"This year we have asked the producers of the show to move the fireworks barge as far east in the center of the lake as possible to get us as far from the nesting area as we can for Jackie and Shadow and their eaglets this year," Scott said.

Visitors planning to celebrate the holiday in Big Bear Lake are also being advised to prepare for heavy traffic, especially after the fireworks display concludes.