Ready to have a blast with the family on INDEPENDENCE DAY? Looking for a Parade, a Picnic, Fireworks? Here’s a list of celebrations happening all over Sacramento. With all of these choices, it just might be hard to decide! Happy 4th of July!
Cal Expo July 4th Pyrospectacular
What: Independence Day Fireworks Celebration at Cal Expo
When: Gates open at 4:30 p.m.; Fireworks begin around 9:30 p.m.
Where: Cal Expo; guests should use the East Gate, located at the intersection of Exposition Blvd. and Challenge Way, as the main entrance to the event. Enter through the D Lot parking area.
Highlights: Largest-scale pyrotechnics display in the area’s history; music and dancing in the Grandstand area; live harness racing starting at 5 p.m. in the Miller Lite Grandstand; live music and dancing with Mobility, a subdivision of the US Air Force band of the Golden West
What to know: General admission to the July 4th celebration is free, but parking is $10 per vehicle. A limited number of $10 reserved seats are being sold. Arrive early and bring lawn chairs and blankets. Fireworks, cans, glass bottles and alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Bags and ice chests will be searched at the gate. The grass infield will be open on the north side with a section for persons with disabilities set up on the apron by the Winner’s Circle.
More info: www.CalExpo.com or 877-CAL-EXPO
Carmichael 4th of July
What: Carmichael’s Annual Spectacular Fireworks Show
When: July 4, 2009 starting at 4:00p
Where: La Sierra Community Center, Carmichael
Carmichael 4th of July Highlights: Inflatable; children’s crafts; performance by the Sacramento Valley Symphonic Band; fireworks show starting at dusk; Carmichael Little League Snack Bar BBQ, drinks, ice cream concession.
More info: (916) 485-5322
Citrus Heights 4th of July
What: Fireworks Show
When: July 4, 2009 starting at 7:30 pm, Fireworks at 9:40
Where: Sunrise Mall, Citrus Heights
Highlights: Live Music and 3-D glasses to view the Fireworks
Davis 4th of July
What: City of Davis Fourth of July
When: July 4, 2009
Where: Community Park 1405 F Street, Davis
Davis 4th of July Highlights: Free admission at Community Pool; food and game booths; annual championship softball tournament; fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
What you need to know: Bring your own water!
More info: www.cityofdavis.org/cs/events/july4.cfm
Elk Grove 4th of July
What: Run 4 Independence to help support Elk Grove Food Bank
Where: Elk Grove Regional Park
When: July 4, 2009
Highlights: Races include: Kids’ ¼ mile fun run (ages 6& under) 8 am; Kids’ ½ Mile Fun Run (ages 7-10)
8:10 am; 10K & 5K Run/Walk to begin at 8:30 am.
After the Race there will be live music, food,
beverages, awards, and more. This race is intended for the whole family, strollers and well behaved dogs.
What to know: Race fee $30; Kids 15 & under $15. Parking $10 at the park. Free parking at Elk Grove High School
More info: www.Run4Independence.com or 916-492-8966
What: Elk Grove Fireworks Show
When: July 4, 2009 starting at 3 pm, Fireworks at 9:45
Where: Elk Grove Regional park
Highlights: All day event starting at 3 pm with food, games, vendors
More info: Gates open at 6 am. Admission is FREE, parking is $10 per vehicle
Folsom 4th of July
What: The Folsom Pro Rodeo 4th of July
When: July 2, 3 and 4, 2009; gates open at 6 p.m.
Where: Folsom City Lions Park, 403 Stafford St, Folsom
Folsom Pro Rodeo 4th of July Highlights: Rodeo includes steer wrestling, bull and bronco riding, mutton busting, barrel racing and rodeo clown Hollywood Harris; fireworks show; performance by Dave Russell Band in Mike’s Golden Spike Saloon.
What to know: Ticket prices: $22.50 for reserved seating (available online only). General admission is $19 for adults or $15 for children (12 and under) and seniors. Special family “buckaroo” packages also available.
More Info: www.folsomprorodeo.com
Pocket Area 4th of July
What: Parade
When: July 4, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.
Where: Begins at Parkway Oaks Park (next to Lisbon elementary school), Travels along Windbridge Drive, ends at Garcia Bend Park off Pocket Rd.
Rancho Cordova 4th of July
What: The 25th Annual Rancho Cordova 4th of July
When: July 3 and 4, 2009
Where: Hagan Park, 2197 Chase Drive, Rancho Cordova
Rancho Cordova 4th of July Highlights: Pablo Cruise performs July 3; Double Funk Crunch performs July 4; five nights of carnival rides; two nights of fireworks; community parade; food and craft vendors; Guitar Hero competition
More Info: www.ranchocordovajuly4th.com/ or (916) 851-8818
Roseville 4th of July
What: Pops Concert
When: July 4, 2009 11 am – 2 pm
Where: Royer Park, Roseville
Highlights: Musical performance by Capitol Pops Concert Band (includes theme songs from each military branch with corresponding veterans standing up as their song is played)
More Info: www.roseville.ca.us/news/displaynews.asp?NewsID=1627&targetid=1
What: Roseville Parade
When: July 4, 2009 10:00 am
Where: Begins at Downtown Historic Roseville and ends at Royer Park
Highlights: When the parade ends at Royer Park, there will be food and games from 11:00 – 2:00 pm
What: Roseville Fireworks Show
When: July 4, 2009 9:30 pm
Where: Placer County Fairgrounds
More info: www.Roseville.ca.us/Parks
Written by Keilah Woodard
My love for exploring and creating experiences with my three kids led to the founding of SacramentoSidetracks.com in 2009. I realized that Sacramento has so much to offer and I was excited to share my findings with other parents. Besides simply having fun, these are the other positive side effects of taking my kids on outings that I’ve discovered: we have quality time together away from the distractions at home, we cultivate our curiosity, learn new things, conversations are triggered by what we see and do, we connect and bond as a family, and we create new memories. Ready to get sidetracked, too? Let me be your guide!
