Big Bear Lake, California — As Independence Day approaches, Big Bear Lake is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors for one of its busiest weekends of the year.
While businesses are hoping for a strong holiday season, many residents are also focused on another popular local attraction—the famous bald eagle family known as Jackie and Shadow.
The mountain community, decorated with American flags ahead of the Fourth of July, is looking to rebound after several challenging winter seasons that brought less snowfall than expected.
Local leaders say the summer holiday could provide a much-needed boost for businesses that depend heavily on tourism.
Holiday Visitors Are Critical for Big Bear Businesses
Tourism remains the driving force behind Big Bear Lake’s economy.
According to Visit Big Bear CEO Travis Scott, the community relies heavily on visitors throughout the year, with winter traditionally generating the largest share of business.
However, several recent winters have failed to deliver the snowfall many businesses count on.
“We are a tourism economy, plain and simple. That’s what Big Bear Lake is,” Scott said.
Scott explained that nearly 70% of the area’s annual business typically comes during the winter ski season, but weaker snow years have created financial challenges.
“We’re seeing small businesses who have changed hands or have closed doors. And so it really does have a big impact on us.”
Business owners throughout Big Bear Village echoed those concerns, saying fewer visitors arrived during the winter because snow conditions were not ideal.
Businesses Hope Summer Brings a Turnaround
Despite a difficult winter, many local businesses are optimistic heading into one of the busiest weekends of the summer.
Employees say Fourth of July celebrations often attract large crowds eager to enjoy mountain weather, outdoor recreation, shopping, dining, and the community’s annual fireworks display.
Joeleen Pinto, who works at Queen Bee Honey Bee, said businesses are looking forward to welcoming tourists back.
“People love to come up here to enjoy the slopes. 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.”
She added:
“We’re super excited because, you know, our business relies on our tourists coming up here.”
Local merchants hope the holiday weekend helps offset losses experienced during the slower winter season.
Fireworks Adjusted to Protect Jackie and Shadow
One of Big Bear Lake’s most anticipated traditions is its annual fireworks show, which has entertained visitors for approximately 60 years.
This year, however, organizers have taken additional steps to reduce potential impacts on local wildlife.
Special attention has focused on Jackie and Shadow, the bald eagle pair that has gained a large online following, along with their two eaglets.
To help minimize disturbances, officials requested changes to the fireworks setup.
“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.
The adjustment is intended to create greater distance between the fireworks display and the eagles’ nesting area while allowing the annual celebration to continue.
Visitors Should Expect Heavy Holiday Traffic
Officials are also reminding travelers to prepare for busy roadways throughout the Independence Day weekend.
Traffic is expected to increase significantly before and after the fireworks display, with congestion likely around popular viewing areas and routes leading out of Big Bear Lake.
Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, allow extra travel time, and follow traffic guidance from local authorities.
As Big Bear balances economic recovery with wildlife conservation, community leaders hope this year’s Fourth of July celebration provides a memorable experience for visitors while protecting one of the area’s most beloved eagle families.
Are you planning to visit Big Bear Lake this Fourth of July? What do you think about adjusting fireworks displays to help protect wildlife like Jackie and Shadow? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.