2013 Fourth of July events throughout San Diego County

Christmas is right around the corner.

Even closer than Christmas, though, is the Fourth of July!

Following is the latest list of Fourth of July events throughout San Diego County.

Big Bay Boom Fireworks Show – San Diego – The 13th annual show launches the largest fireworks display in the county for 18 minutes at four locations. Accompanied by patriotic music on 105.7 “The Walrus” FM radio. 9 p.m. at Coronado Landing, Embarcadero, Seaport Village, Shelter Island, and Harbor Island. Free.

Coronado Independence Day Celebration – Coronado – Celebrations include Art in the Park, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Spreckels Park; Independence Day Parade at 10 a.m. along Orange Avenue, and fireworks show at 9 p.m. over Glorietta Bay. Free.

USS Midway Museum Family Fun 4th of July Celebration – Downtown San Diego – Live entertainment, family activities, and a fireworks viewing spot of the Big Bay Boom on the flight deck of the historic USS Midway. Doors open at 6 p.m. USS Midway Museum, 910 N. Harbor Dr. $15 general admission & $10 youth and museum members.

SeaWorld San Diego Fireworks Show  – Shamu presents an extended fireworks show to patriotic music at 9:30 p.m. 500 Sea World Drive Cost is park admission but you can watch this show from various points throughout Mission Bay, including just across the waterway on Fiesta Island, a spot I can highly recommend if you get there early. The far eastern ends of the SeaWorld parking lot are also a great viewing place. If you want to practice taking pictures of fireworks, head out to SeaWorld any night at 9:45 for a 10-minute park-closing fireworks show. Then you’ll be ready for the big events on the Fourth of July.

Oceanside’s 125th Anniversary Fireworks Show – Fireworks launch just north of the El Corazon Senior Center, 3302 Senior Center Drive, with fireworks viewing at Rancho Del Oro Rd. Parking is limited. 6 to 10 p.m. on July 3 (note the date!). Free.

Red, White and BOOM! – Legoland – An all day event begins at 10:00 a.m. and includes a building competition, dance party, lawn games, stroller parade, and fireworks show at 8:30 p.m. ark admission.

San Diego County Fair July 4th Celebration – Fourth of July events start with Opening Ceremony at 9:30 a.m. at O’Brien Gate, Hometown Heroes Parade at 7 p.m., and fireworks show at 9 p.m. Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. Cost is Fair admission. This is another show that offers viewing spots from throughout the area if you don’t want to pay the $10 parking fee and the $14 (adult) entrance fee at the Fairgrounds.

Del Mar Independence Day Parade – This is a parade down Coast Boulevard at 9:30 a.m. Families are welcome to decorate their bikes, scooters, wagons , golf carts, and baby strollers, and join the parade! Powerhouse Park, 1658 Coast Blvd., Del Mar. Free.

La Jolla Cove 4th of July – La Jolla Community Fireworks Foundation (LJCFF) host the annual fireworks show along the coast. Live music and fireworks display at 9 p.m. 5:30 to 10 p.m. at Ellen Browning Scripps Park, 1180 Coast Blvd., La Jolla. Free.

4th of July Fireworks Celebration – Poway – Live music and games begin at 7:00 p.m. Fireworks show at 9 p.m. Poway High School Stadium, 15500 Espola Rd., Poway. $2 general admission & kids under 11 are free.

Spirit of the Fourth – Rancho Bernardo – Community fair at 7 a.m. featuring 35 vendors, live entertainment, patriotic pet contest, veterans memorial service, Rancho Bernardo idol winners, and fireworks show at 9 p.m. Bernardo Heights Middle School and various locations in Rancho Bernardo. See the web site for detailed locations. Admission for evening events and fireworks is $10 per person or $20 per family.

Fourth of July Celebration – Escondido – Live entertainment and kids activities start at 4:00 p.m. with a fireworks show at 9 p.m. Grape Day Park, 321 N Broadway, Escondido. Free.

Ramona Community Fireworks & Family Picnic, 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Activities include games, food, live entertainment, and fireworks show at 9 p.m. Olive Peirce Middle School, 1521 Hanson Lane, Ramona. Free.

Santee Salutes – Live music, food, inflatable toys, carnival rides, and games. Fireworks show at 9 p.m. Town Center Community Park East, 550 Park Center Dr., Santee. Free admission, parking $5-15, and minimal cost for food and activities.

4th of July Celebration – El Cajon – Kiddie train rides, live entertainment, crafts, and family games. 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. with a fireworks show at 9 p.m. John F. Kennedy Park, 1675 E Madison Avenue, El Cajon. Free.

Fourth of July Carnival – National City – Annual carnival from July 3-7. The weeklong event will feature games, rides, food and drink items for sale, and live entertainment. 5 to 11 p.m. on July 3; Noon to midnight on July 4; 5 to 11 p.m. on July 5; 1 to 11 p.m on July 6 & 7. Kimball Park & Recreation Center,  148 E. 12th Street, National City. Free admission, fees for food and activities.

Note that Imperial Beach has chosen not to be a part of the Big Bay Boom this year, and I can’t find any other Fourth of July activities scheduled for them.

Remember that fireworks are illegal throughout San Diego County. If you are caught using fireworks, the penalty can be as high as a $50,000 fine and a year in the slammer. Don’t do it, even though fireworks are cheap across the border. It’s not worth it. Go to one of the approved events listed above and enjoy time with your family and friends.

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