Trying to decide what to do this 4th of July? Whether you're an "old timer," or just moved into the neighborhood, here are some great ideas on how to celebrate safely in your neighborhood....
Oakland Hills:
Piedmont has a tradition of celebrating the 4th of July. The Parade begins at
11:00 am on July 4th at Highland Avenue and Park Way, ending at Piedmont
Park where we will continue the celebration through the afternoon,
starring Big Bang Beat. (for more more information, click here)
The historic Pardee Home Museum (672 11th St., Oakland) is celebrating from noon to 4 p.m.on the Fourth of July. Bring the family and enjoy Frederick Hodges on the piano
accompanied by Ann Gibson singing patriotic songs. An old-fashioned
barbeque includes hamburgers, baked beans, corn on the cob, beverages
and more. There will be special activities for all ages: a children's
craft table, croquet, badminton and volleyball. Tours of the Pardee
Home will be available. Admission is $15 for adults and $5 children ages 5
to 11 (under age 5 years is free). There is a $2 discount for those
guests arriving in period costume. All proceeds benefit the
preservation of the historic home and gardens.
Great views of the fireworks show can be found on Grizzly Peak, Lake Merritt, Jack London Square, and the Berkeley Marina.
Lamorinda Area:
Traditionally, the Orinda Parade as always been the place to start your celebrations. With a fantastic old-fashioned parade filled with brass marching bands, prancing horses, old cars, old veterans, and the children's bikes full decorated full of crepe paper and pinwheels, this is an easy, kid-friendly activity. There are activities before and after. The full schedule is: (click here for the Orinda Association's website)
- 7:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. The Roadrunners’ Pancake
Breakfast In the park/Community Center
- 7:55 a.m. Flag-raising Ceremony at Flagpole in
front of Community Center
- 8:00 a.m. The
Roadrunners’ Fun Run and
Haley’s Run
for a Reason meet in front of the Community Center
- 8:45 a.m. Parade participants arrive for
assembly at BART parking lot on the East Side of
Camino Pablo
- 9:00 a.m. Friends of the Orinda Library Book Sale
In Library Breezeway
- 10:00 a.m. Parade Begins
- 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Park Activities
Begin
The town of Moraga also holds a full day of activities and also has a parade especially for "Fido":
(more information can be found here)
- 8:00 a.m.: Kiddie Runs – Moraga Shopping Center
- 8:30 a.m.: 5 mile run & 2 mile run/walk – Moraga Shopping Center
- 8:00 a.m.: MYIC Pancake Breakfast – Commons Park
- 9:00 a.m.: Dog Parade – Band Shell
- 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.: Car Show- Basketball Court (Commons Park)
- 9:00 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.: Community Booths – Commons Park
- 10:30 a.m.: Bike Parade –Flag Pole (Commons Park)
- 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.: Jumpies – Commons Park
- 11:00 a.m: Old Fashioned Kids Games – Band Shell
- 12:30 p.m.: Family Magic Show – Band Shell
- 7:30 p.m.: Livin’ in the USA (concert) – Band Shell
- 9:30 p.m. (ish): FIREWORKS – Driving Range (Moraga Country Club)