Sparks Fly in South OC!

Sparks Fly in South OC!
By Shelley T. Hudson

Independence Day… when your most crucial decisions are charcoal or propane? Burgers or hot dogs? Apple or cherry pie? And, of course, which fireworks display to watch! One surefire bet is that we’ve got the DISH on all the best shows in your backyard.

Dana Point
Dana Point’s annual fireworks extravaganza is one of the most popular around. This impressive display can be enjoyed from any point in the city with a harbor view. The show starts promptly at 9 p.m. and the pyrotechnics are fired from a barge in the harbor. It’s best to walk to your viewing spot, but you can also catch a free shuttle from Dana Hills High School to the corner of Golden Lantern and Dana Point Harbor Drive. The shuttles runs from 10 a.m. until after the show, but not during the show. An added bonus to this spectacle is the musical accompaniment. Bring your portable radio set to KSBR FM 88.5 for a synchronized musical broadcast. Doheny State Beach is an ideal place to take in the light display, but you can make the night extra special by booking a Fireworks Display Cruise with Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching.

Laguna Niguel
Laguna Niguel kicks off its annual slate of festivities with the “33rd Annual Run in the Parks.” Events begin at 7 a.m. with a 10K run, 5K run, 5K walk and children’s races. For more information, call South Coast YMCA at 949.495.9622.

If running a race is not your idea of a leisurely holiday, then the Chamber of Commerce Pancake Breakfast might be right up your alley. Five bucks will get you pancakes, sausage, coffee and juice. The breakfast takes place from 7:30 to 11 a.m. at the YMCA (29831 Crown Valley Parkway). Visit www.lnchamber.com for details.

Evening celebrations begin with Beach Boys and Beatles tribute bands at 6 p.m. at the Crown Valley Park Amphitheater (29751 Crown Valley Parkway). After the live entertainment, bust out a flashlight and join your neighbors and friends in a community walk (3/4 mile each way) to Regional Park for the 9 p.m. fireworks display. Bring along a blanket for sky-gazing in the grass.

Laguna Beach
The City of Laguna Beach’s fireworks are back! The long-running tradition was shelved for several years due to budget cuts and enjoyed a last-minute reprieve in 2010, thanks to a fund-raising campaign by the Laguna Board of Realtors. The event was questionable again this year, but the City has decided to pick up the tab—much to the delight of many area families. The show will take place at Monument Point in Heisler Park. Bundle up and enjoy this popular holiday treat.

San Clemente
Municipal Pier is once again the spot for San Clemente’s Independence Day celebration. The city’s annual fireworks show is a must-see, but be prepared for a crowd. The pier area will close to automobile traffic from 7 p.m. until after the show and pedestrian traffic on the pier will be restricted from noon on July 3rd for staging and preparations. For safety reasons, swimmers, surfers and jet-skiers will be prohibited within 1000 feet of the pier during the fireworks display. Bring your blankets and beach chairs for this long-standing community tradition.

San Juan Capistrano
The city’s 50th birthday party continues with the biggest July 4th celebration yet. This annual event takes place at San Juan Capistrano Sports Park (25925 Camino del Avion) and kicks off at 3:00 p.m. with rides, craft booths, food, drinks and live music. Wristbands are available for purchase for the mechanical rides at the Community Center until July 1st or at the gate during the event. Pony rides, old-fashioned family games and souvenir photos are all offered for free this year. Beer, wine, food and treats will be available for purchase. Classic rockers, Family Style, will take the stage from 6 to 9 p.m., so bring your dancing shoes. While you’re at it, grab a blanket or beach chair for a cozy view of the spectacular fireworks show at 9 p.m. Sorry, no pets are invited to the party.

No matter where you are: The Local DISH magazine wishes you a safe and happy Fourth of July!