Local Fourth of July Festivities

Local Fourth of July Festivities
By Shelley T. Hudson

San Juan Capistrano
The city of SJC’s annual Celebration and Fireworks Display will once again be held at the Sports Park on Camino del Avion. The festivities begin at 3 p.m. and include children’s games, mechanical rides, local exhibitors, a variety of food and a beer garden. Live entertainment and dancing start at 6 p.m., and the evening concludes with an extensive fireworks show at 9 p.m. Park in the Sports Complex or on neighboring streets, or better yet, ride your bike! The event is free, but you can purchase tickets for the mechanical rides for a nominal cost.

San Clemente
San Clemente’s Municipal Pier will be the stage for the big fireworks show again this year. Game booths and live music starting at dusk will precede the ever-popular 9 p.m. pyrotechnic display. Come early with your beach chairs and blankets to get a good viewing spot.

Another option is to watch the fireworks from Park Semper Fi. A family-style potluck dinner honoring the U.S. Marines starts at 6 p.m., so bring your neighbors and your favorite dish and dine al fresco. You’ll enjoy a great view of the show and avoid the large crowd. The potluck is free, but you’ll need a ticket. Call (949) 498 – 4958 for ticket info and other details.

Laguna Beach
A full day of fun for the whole family is scheduled in Laguna Beach. Start off with the Laguna Concert Band’s Patriotic Show from
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the Sawdust Festival grounds. This volunteer band of local performers will ignite your national pride as they play all the popular anthems. After the show, check out the Festival’s art demonstrations and grab lunch at one of the many food booths.

City trolleys will operate under a modified schedule all day on the 4th in anticipation of Laguna Beach’s fireworks presentation that evening. The Monument Point area of Heisler Park will be closed for preparations until 5 p.m. Bring your snacks and chairs (but not alcohol or pets, sorry!) and prepare yourself for an awesome display of light and color at 9 p.m. Expect heavy traffic leaving the event, however. Your safest bet is to walk, bike or shuttle to Heisler Park.

Dana Point
Independence Day is the busiest day of the year at Doheny State Beach, with families driving in from all over Southern California to picnic and frolic in the waves all day. Doheny opens bright and early at 6 a.m. for automobile traffic. Early birds will definitely get the best spots for the evening’s festivities.

Dana Point’s annual Fireworks Extravaganza is one of the most anticipated events of the year. The impressive spectacle can be seen from anywhere in the city with a view of the harbor. Two popular locations for sky-gazing are Lantern Bay Park and Heritage Park, but harbor-area restaurants and beaches provide ideal views also. The city manages traffic and crowds by providing a free shuttle service with a fleet of nine vehicles around the harbor area running to and from Dana Hills High School from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.