Here's a guide to Fourth of July festivities in Monterey County
The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate the nation's birth and independence. Americans celebrate the holiday with displays of red, white, and blue, backyard barbeques and elaborate firework shows.
For those who want to step outdoors to celebrate, here are some festivities happening in Monterey County:
Spreckles
Spreckles is once again hosting a Fourth of July celebration at Memorial Park.
Food booths, drinks, games, live music, an antique car show, and children’s play areas are just some of the activities people can look forward to. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the park.
Soledad
The whole family is invited to join Soledad’s 25th annual Fourth of July celebration and fireworks show, Monday at Soledad Little League Park from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Entertainment includes food booths, games and prizes for all ages, magic and balloon creations, and live performances by Patty Kistner Band and La Tumbadora Banda Del Rancho.
Children are encouraged to dress their “star-spangled best” and take part in a walking parade at noon.
Line up for the parade starts at 11:30 a.m. at Main Street School. Participation is free.
Monterey Fisherman’s Wharf
There’s nothing like spending Independence Day at the iconic Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey.
New this year is a free performance by the Loma Linda String Orchestra from 3 to 4 p.m. in front of the Rockfish Harbor Grill.
"Uncle Sam" will also be giving out free American Flag-themed taffy in front of Candy World between 12 to 5 p.m.
Visitors are welcomed to go enjoy the view of the beach and have planet of photo opportunities with fun Independence Day decorations.
Alvarado Street, Monterey
Monterey's Fourth of July parade will be the center of attention this year, set to draw in visitors near and far for a glimpse of some floats, cars, fire engines and performers.
The parade starts at 10 a.m. at the corner of Alvarado and Pearl streets. The parade will be followed by the city’s free Big Little Backyard Barbeque and Entertainment Extravaganza from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Colton Hall Lawn at Pacific Street.
Entertainment will include live bands food vendors, children’s games, bouncy houses, face painting and balloon artists.
Monterey, Pancake Breakfast
Residents can start off their holiday morning with Monterey firefighters for a pancake breakfast charity fundraiser from 7 to 11 a.m.
Family activities include arts and crafts for kids, face painting, music and a chance to meet local firefighters and sit in the fire engine.
The breakfast will be held at Colton Hall Lawn.
Reservations are required and tickets cost $12.50.
Pacific Grove
A Fourth of July Drive and Dine event will be hosted by the Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce in Downtown Pacific Grove from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The event will feature patriotic decorations along the downtown area, live music, a Pacific Grove shirt giveaway, restaurant promotions and outdoor kids’ activities.
Carmel By-the-Sea
Residents are invited to a family-style Independence Day celebration and concert at Devendorf Park, across from the Carmel Plaza.
Monterey County Pops! Is set to return with its 38-member orchestra for a 90-minute show starting at 2 p.m.
Marching music will be featured, and the concert will include blues, jazz, rock, and Latin music.
The celebrations will go from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
More details on events at https://whatsupmonterey.com/
This article originally appeared on Salinas Californian: Here's a guide to Fourth of July festivities in Monterey County
