Many Orange County communities are preparing to celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks shows, festivals, parade or runs/walks. Following is a listing of the options for how to spend your Independence Day.
You can also check out the Orange County Fire Authority’s website, ocfa.org, for a listing of where professional fireworks shows are planned and information on the communities that allow safe and sane fireworks with some safety tips from the fire agency.
Events are on the Fourth of July unless otherwise noted.
Aliso Viejo
The Aliso Viejo Community Association hosts a celebration and fireworks show from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at Grand Park. Undercover Live will perform, and there will be arts and crafts and other kids activities. Information: avca.net
Anaheim
The Anaheim Hills Community Council hosts its annual day of activities. Events include the Firecracker 5K/10K Run/Walk beginning at 7 a.m. at Canyon High School’s track; the pancake breakfast from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. in the Canyon High cafeteria; and Yankee Doodle Dog Show at 9:30 a.m. in the outdoor amphitheater at Canyon High.
This year’s parade begins at 1 p.m.; it starts out from Canyon High’s lower parking lot area. Food booths will be open from 3 to 8:45 p.m. at Peralta Park where continuous entertainment is planned from 5 to 8:45 p.m. The spectacular fireworks show begins at 9 p.m. Information: anaheimhillscommunitycouncil.org.
Savannah Schlottach, 9, right, sits with Cruz Mendoza, 4, in her ride that won first place for best decorated wagon in the Kiddie Parade Wednesday at the 33rd Annual Brea Country Fair held at City Hall Park.<br />///ADDITIONAL INFO: breacountryfair.0705 – 7/4/12 – Photo by PAUL RODRIGUEZ, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER – Brea’s old fashioned Country Fair was held at City Hall Park featuring live entertainment, a kiddie parade, beautiful baby contest, rides and food.
Brea
The 39th annual July 4 Country Fair will be at City Hall Park. A pancake breakfast hosted by the Kiwanis Club starts the day from 7 to 11 a.m. Classic and unique rides will be on display in the car show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The kiddie parade and dog contest are at 10:15. The Plunge is open for swimming for $3 from noon to 3 p.m. And entertainment and contests are planned throughout the event. Free admission. Information: cityofbrea.net
Cypress, Los Alamitos,Seal Beach
The 31st annual fireworks spectacular is will be held from 4 to 9:30 p.m. at the Joint Forces Training Base, 11206 Lexington Drive in Los Alamitos. The free event is hosted by Cypress, Los Alamitos and Seal Beach and features family activities, entertainment, food for sale and fireworks at 9 p.m. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Anyone older than 16 must show photo ID. Information: 562-430-1073.
Dana Point
The city’s annual fireworks show will light up the harbor with fantastic views over Doheny Beach. Visitors will be able to tune into a specially curated Spotify playlist and listen to patriotic music accompanying the display. Independence Day Harbor Trolley will pick up and drop off at the restaurants and retail area, Baby Beach, the Island, and Ocean Institute from 10 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Free round trip shuttles will run from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. transporting people from Dana Hills High School at 33333 Golden Lantern to Dana Point Harbor.
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Fullerton
The 29th annual Community Festival and Fireworks Show will be held at the softball field at Fullerton Union High School, on Lemon between Berkeley and Chapman. The 5 to 9:30 p.m. event features live music, food and drink, booths and games. Fireworks go off at 9 p.m. Information: cityoffullerton.com
The annual parade in Huntington Beach markes its 113th year this Fourth of July. (Register file photo)
Huntington Beach
The Pier Plaza Festival from July 1 to 4 will feature entertainment, activities and vendors; 9 a.m.-10 p.m. daily at Pier Plaza, 300 PCH. Cost is free. Information: hb4thofjuly.org
– On July 4, the Surf City 5K, stroller and kids runs start the day off from 6 to 10 a.m. at Worthy Park, 1900 Main St. Cost: $20-$40. Information: surfcityrun.com. The Kiwanis Club is hosting a pancake breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m. at Lake Park, 1035 11th St. Cost is $5.
The 113th annual parade, themed “A Star Spangled Salute,” with celebrities, bands and organizations, kicks off at 10 a.m. heading from Main Street to Yorktown Avenue. The parade is expected to be over by noon. Fireworks cap the day at 9 p.m. at the Huntington Beach Pier, 300 PCH. Cost is free. Information: hb4thofjuly.org
Irvine
The Irvine Police Association hosts its 34th annual Concert on the Green and Fireworks Festival featuring live music by Derek Bordeaux Group, activities for kids, a raffle with prizes and a fireworks show at the Irvine High School stadium, 4321 Walnut Ave. Food will be available for purchase. Gates open at 3 p.m. and the fireworks display starts at 9 p.m. Adults: $15; kids and seniors: $10; under 2 free. Information: irvinepa.org.
Laguna Hills
The community’s free elebration includes food and festivities at the Laguna Hills Community Center. Carnival rides, games, live music an activities are planned with a fireworks show at 9:10 p.m. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Lawn chairs, blankets and umbrellas are recommended. Runs from 4 to 10 p.m. Information: ci.laguna-hills.ca.us
Laguna Niguel
Suffragettes, playing hits of the ‘70s and today, will perform at Crown Valley Community Park, 29751 Crown Valley Parkway, at 6 p.m. to start off the free celebration. Food and dessert will be available for purchase. Guests can bring low chairs and blankets to the outdoor performance. A free shuttle will transport people from City Hall, 30111 Crown Valley Pkwy, from 4:30-10 p.m. A fireworks show will be held at Laguna Niguel Regional Park, less than a mile from the amphitheater, at 9 p.m. Bring a flashlight. Information: cityoflagunaniguel.org
Lake Forest’s annual July 4 parade starts at 10 a.m. this year. (Register file photo)
Lake Forest
The community’s 26th annual parade, themed “United We Stand,” will take place 10 a.m. to noon along Toledo Way, Lake Forest Drive, Serrano Road and Ridge Route Drive. Parking can be found in the El Toro High School or on Lake Forest Drive and Serrano Road. There will be a $6 pancake breakfast 7-10 a.m. in front of the El Toro High gym. Information: lakeforestparade.com.
– The Lake Forest II Homeowners Association’s celebration begins at 10 a.m. at the Sun and Sail Club, featuring live entertainment,a basketball and volleyball tournament, a reptile booth in the games area and a fireworks show at 9 p.m. Guest wristbands go on sale the week before July 4 for $15 and go up to $20 day of. Information: lf2recreation.org.
La Habra
Live bands, raffles, carnival games, kids activities and a fireworks finale will be held at La Bonita Park, 1440 W. Whittier Blvd. Gates opens at 4 p.m. with the firework show scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. Pre-sale wristband are on sale at the La Habra Community Center. Adults (13 years and older) are $5. Kids (3 to 12) are $3. Add $2 on the day of the event. Information: 562-383-4205.
La Palma
The city hosts is 37th annual Fitness Run for Fun. The run begins at 7:30 a.m. near Central Park, 7821 Walker St. Events include 5K and 10K runs and a 5K walk. There also is a Yankee Doodle Dash for children. Information: cityoflapalma.org.
Mission Viejo
The street fair and fireworks spectacular includes live music, carnival rides and games, food and game booths and a free shuttle. The annual event starts at noon and a fireworks display is set for 9 p.m. at Olympiad Road between Marguerite Parkway and Melinda Road. Admission is free. Information: 949-830-7066.
Newport Beach
Several parades and activities are planned throughout the city.
– The Newport Peninsula Bike Parade and Community Festival kicks off at 9 a.m. at 36th Street Park and travels down Balboa Boulevard to Channel Place Park, where there will be a free festival with carnival games, jump houses, crafts and feed. The festival runs to 11:30 a.m.
– The Mariners Park Independence Day Parade and Celebration starts at Commodore and Mariners Drive at 10:30 a.m. with the bicycle parade. An 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. festival will be held at Mariners Park with food for sale and games and activities.
– The Old Glory Boat Parade begins at 1 p.m. in Newport Harbor. The annual parade is hosted by the American Legion Yacht Club and American Legion Post 291.
– A fireworks extravaganza at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort caps the day’s activities at 9 p.m. Newport Beach residents can walk in for the fireworks show for free.
Information: ewportbeachca.gov
People watch fireworks during the City of Orange’s annual Third of July Celebration at Fred Kelly Stadium. (Register file photo)
Orange
The community traditionally holds its celebration on July 3, starting at 4 p.m. at Fred Kelly Stadium at El Modena High. There will be entertainment, a petting zoo, activities for kids, food booths by community groups and other fun. The Orange Community Master Chorale will perform then the fireworks will go off. Tickets are $7 and are on sale at the Community Services Department, 230 E. Chapman Ave., or starting at 1:30 p.m. at the event. Information: 714-744-7278
– Orange Park Acres is hosting a 5K run/walk road race and a 10K cross-country race in the morning of July 4. The races will be followed by a patriotic parade at 9:30 a.m. Activities begin at Frank Lane and Orange Park Boulevard. The 5K costs $40 on race day and the 10K costs $50. Register online or in person, information: orangeparkacres5K.com
San Clemente
The city hosts a spectacular fireworks show at 9 p.m. from the San Clemente Pier. The show can be seen from many beaches and hilltop areas, but tickets are available for purchase if you’d like to watch the show sitting on the pier. Information: 949-878-1273.
San Juan Capistrano
The city is hosting a four-day carnival at San Juan Capistrano Sports Park, 25925 Camino Del Avion, on July 4 and 6 to 8. There will be rides and a midway and food for sale. Rides require tickets be purchased. From noon to 10 p.m. on July 4, the city is hosting an Independence Day carnival and celebration at the sports park. Lawn chairs, blankets, umbrellas and canopies are allowed. Fireworks at 9 p.m. Information: sanjuancapistrano.org
Santa Ana
The eighth annual celebration starts at 4 p.m. with live music, a play area for kids, food, a history walk and much more at Centennial Park, 3000 W. Edinger Ave. The fireworks display will begin at 9 p.m. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Information: 714-571-4227 or ci.santa-ana.ca.us
Tustin
The community will celebrate at the Tustin High football field, 1171 El Camino Real, with free entertainment beginning at 6:30 p.m. Pack a picnic or purchase food and drinks from the school’s booster club. Bring along some non-perishable food items for Operation Warm Wishes to donate to homeless and veterans. Fireworks display will be at 9 p.m. Information: 714-573-3326.
– Tustin Meadowns marks the 50th anniversary of its neighborhood parade featuring local dignitaries, community leaders, the Tustin Young Marines and Miss Tustin and her court. Parade begins at Roanoke and Oxford avenues at 11 a.m., but streets will be closed to traffic at 10 a.m.
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Attendants of Tustin’s annual Fourth of July celebration wave a large US flag during the singing of the Star Spangled Banner at Tustin High School. The event will be held again this year. (Register file photo)
Villa Park
Stars on Parade kicks off at 9 a.m. at Villa Park High School. Kids are invited to decorate their bikes, wagons and such to participate in the parade, which will travel a mile and a half through residential streets. A fire engine and the Villa Park High marching band will lead the parade organized by the Villa Park Community Services Foundation. Line up at 8:30 a.m. at the school. There will also be music, food and prizes. Information: vpcsfoundation.org
Yorba Linda
Yorba Linda’s annual celebration will kick off at 5 p.m. with family activities, food vendors and a children’s area at Veterans Park and Yorba Linda Middle School. The fireworks show will begin at 9 p.m. The event is free. Information: 714-961-7160.
– East Lake Village will get into the spirit early with its annual Patriotic Boat Parade on July 3. Boats will be decked out with patriotic colors and lights to tour around the lake starting at 9 p.m. The public can watch from the greenbelts that surround the lake. Food trucks in the village’s parking lot will be selling from 6 to 9 p.m.
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Source: Oc Register
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