Kaboom!

Seating arrangements could’ve been more organized and the show itself could’ve been more action packed but it was a good show for the money spent.

So it’s 4^th of July, and you think you should turn up the barbecue and set off the fireworks, but you’re…
–too lazy to put in the effort
–too fried from the heat
–too good to explain yourself to anyone
Okay, whatever it is, Shabam! here comes Kaboom! Taking place at the Pomona Fairplex, home to the L.A. County Fair, this event delivers a package for each person’s needs.
–General Admission (open grandstand seating) = $ 16
–Trackside Bleachers = $ 19.50
–Reserved Box = $ 22
–Adult terrace/​buffet = $ 46
–Child terrace/​buffet = $ 26
–Adult box seat/​buffet = $ 50
–Child box seat/​buffet = $ 31
–Child under 2 = free
Parking is an extra $ 10 at the gate.
With general admission, I came at 6pm to save a decent seat, and the wait wasn’t too painful with plenty of food, beer, and photo-​ops with Thummer, the adorably plump mascot.
The show commenced at 8PM with high-​flying Freestyle Motor Cross (FMX), which was fast-​paced and adrenaline-​pumped.
The monster trucks were a disappointing compared to what I usually see on TV; it’s like watching D-​league after getting used to the NBA. The most exciting monster moments were when a wheel flew off and then when a truck flipped over. I wonder if they were intentionally done to wake up the beer-​drowsy spectators.
Independence Day isn’t complete without fireworks, and at Kaboom!, the sky will ignite for a good 25 minutes. The view from the side of the grandstand was a bit annoying though; my fireworks show was subtitled with a «Kettle Corn» sign.
To avoid this problem, get the trackside bleacher seats if available so you can stand in the middle area for the fireworks. Better yet, get a reserved box, and you won’t even have to come early. Neither ticket types were available on the morning of the 4^th. The late bird gets a crappy view.
It wasn’t the most impressive of monster truck shows or the most robust of firework extravaganzas, but it’s a fun, family-​friendly festival for the last-​minute planner who’d rather not put in the work at home or fight the public at a free event. Eureka! I’ve found Kaboom!