Community Corner
Patch Picks: Where To Go For July 4 Fireworks
Check out our roundup of places in and around San Marino where you can experience the Fourth of July's defining attraction.
Congress may be stuck in a decidedly uninspiring mire these days, but once upon a time our politicians really got it right. No, I'm not referring to the Declaration of Independence (though that was a pretty good move). I'm talking about the fact that it was Congress who apparently led the way in encouraging the use of fireworks on July 4, by authorizing a display in Philadelphia just one year after the Declaration was signed. How cool is that? I love fireworks, so I'm thrilled that today the tradition is still going strong in cities and towns all over the nation.
You could conceivably "celebrate" the Fourth of July without any awesome explosions of light and color bursting against a summer-night sky, but please, don't make me sad. And don't give me any excuses, like "I don't know where to go", because here's a list of five cool events that are all less than 30 minutes from San Marino:
. Obviously, if you live in San Marino, Lacy Park should be your first choice for Fourth of July fun. This (very) popular community event will feature a parade, live entertainment, game booths and other activities that kick off at 5:00 p.m. You'll need a wristband to get in—$5 for San Marino residents, $15 all others when you buy in advance; otherwise, everyone pays $20 at the door (children under 2 are free). Fireworks start at 9 p.m. Check out the Summer 2011 Recreation and Library Guide to find out where to get your wristbands, or call (626) 943-2627 for information.
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. This year marks the Rose Bowl's 85th annual celebration of Independence Day. Offering live music and motorcycle stunts inside the stadium, a Family Fun Festival & Food Court outside and the "Biggest Fireworks Show in Southern California" (starting at 9:05 p.m.), the Rose Bowl is a great Fourth of July destination for the whole family. Tickets are $13 (children under 7 and active military with ID are free), and parking is $20 ($45 for RVs). (If you don't want to go into the stadium, you'll just pay for parking.) For more details, click here.
Alhambra. Head to Almansor Park for Fourth of July in neighboring Alhambra. The party begins at 3 p.m., with "patriotic hot dogs" and other festive refreshments available to keep you going til the big fireworks finish at 9 p.m. (You can bring your own picnic basket if you prefer, though do note that purchases in the park will go to support local youth groups.)
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. A little ways further to the east, La Crescenta invites guests to enjoy music, rides (!), a great food truck lineup and fireworks at La Crescenta Elementary School starting at 4 p.m.; fireworks start a little after 9 p.m. Tickets are just $5, but you might want to buy them in advance to ensure entrance to the party, as they will be available only on a first-come, first-serve basis at the gate. Here's how to get your tickets.
Pomona Meanwhile to the west, the 25th anniversary of Pomona's KABOOM! Fourth of July Celebration at the Fairplex promises to be a memorable experience. Monster truck and extreme freestyle motocross performances lead up to the fantastic fireworks finale at 9:20 p.m. Get your tickets online, starting at $15 for admission, $9 for parking.
Check out these additional fireworks displays:
July 1 9:30 p.m. 2290 Country Club Dr., Altadena July 2 7:30 p.m. Hollywood Bowl 2301 North Highland Ave., HollywoodJuly 2 9:00 p.m. L.A. County Civic Center 3rd St. and South Mednik Ave., L.A. July 3 7:30 p.m. Hollywood Bowl 2301 North Highland Ave., Hollywood July 3 8:30 p.m. 1100 Eagle Vista Dr., Los Angeles July 4 7:30 p.m. Hollywood Bowl 2301 North Highland Ave., Hollywood July 4
9:00 p.m. Starlight Bowl Burbank 1249 Lockheed View Dr., Burbank
Not in the mood to deal with the crowds at the big events, but still want to have a sparkly Fourth? Patch has put together a handy list of , so check it out if you want to have your own little celebration. (Note that while fireworks are legal in Alhambra, you will NOT be allowed to bring them to the Almansor Park celebration).