4th of July Laser Show Coming to Central Coast - Central Coast News KION/KCBA

MONTEREY, Calif.-- 4th of July Laser Show Coming to Central Coast. This year one Central Coast city is ditching the old tradition of fireworks and hopefully starting a new one. The city of Monterey said they're planning a whole day of festivities.

In past years they had to cancel their Fourth of July events because of budget cuts. Now they've found new ways to fund the event. On the 4th city officials expect tens of thousands of people to show up for the events.

The parade is back after being cut from the celebration for the past two years because of a shrinking budget. This year it will start at 10:00 a.m. on Alvarado Street followed by the annual lawn party in front of Colton Hall.

On Friday city leaders announced a new plan for the Fourth of July including more activities and its $100,000 cheaper for the city. Rick Johnson is with the Old Monterey Business Association. They are fully funding the parade with help from donors like Union Bank and Santa Barbara Bank & Trust. "We came into this year by saying lets bring the parade back but let's really do a community event," said Johnson.

Now the city is going all out, except for the fireworks. Instead a laser show, which is more than 10 times cheaper than fireworks. "It's actually the same funding we've had for several years for the lawn party and what we've done is we've tried to work really hard to keep expenses low," said Kim Bui-Burton.

The other costs are being funded by private donors. "What we had was a dream to do it but dreams have to be financed in this world," said Johnson.  

3,00 free tickets will be available for the laser show.