Arts & Entertainment

Patch Picks: Fourth of July Celebrations 2011

Five fun events going on in Los Altos and the surrounding areas in celebration of Independence Day.

Tired of throwing the same old backyard BBQ for the Fourth of July? Want to know where all the fun Fourth of July events are happening this year?

Look no further—this week’s Patch Picks includes five fun Independence Day celebrations going on in the area.

Happy Fourth of July from the Los Altos Patch, and be safe!

Find out what's happening in Los Altoswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Find out what's happening in Los Altoswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

When: Monday, July 4 at 10 a.m.

Where: , 26379 Fremont Road, 10 a.m.

What: Come see a fun, good-old-fashioned town parade! Bring the whole family! Don’t want to stand by and just watch? Join in! Dress up as Uncle Sam, paint your face red, white and blue, or just be yourself—this year’s theme is “Red, White and You” because they want YOU. Walk the parade route, or ride your bike or scooter. The parade begins at Town Hall at 10 a.m.—or meet there at 9:30 a.m. if you want to march—and coffee, tea, lemonade and watermelon will be served. The route will march down Fremont Road to .

 

"GLORIOUS FOURTH," the LOS ALTOS-LOS ALTOS HILLS INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

When: Monday, July 4, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: , 400 University Ave., Los Altos

What: Immediately following the Los Altos Hills parade, head on over to Shoup Park in Los Altos for a fun, family celebration organized by the Los Altos Community Foundation. There will be plenty of fun for the kids, such as a Dunk Tank, face painting, balloon art and a petting zoo, and Mom and Dad will have a fun time eating shaved ice, buying delicious sandwiches from Armadillo Willy’s for lunch, and dancing to the live bands.

 

When: Monday, July 4, 12-5 p.m.

Where: , 600 E. Meadow Dr., Palo Alto.

What: Here’s something just a little different—a chili cook-off competition! Bring the whole family and taste an array of chili dishes prepared by teams of chefs battling for the chili championship, starting at 1:30 p.m. Plus, enjoy live music by Johnny Super and DJ Joe Sheldon, line dancing by Hedy McAdams, kids’ activities, good food and much more.

 

4TH OF JULY ALL-CITY PICNIC

When: Monday, July 4, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Central Park, the corner of Kiely Boulevard and El Camino Real in Santa Clara

What: Santa Clara is an All-America City bestowed by the National Civic Leagues, so it's no surprise that July Fourth is full of fun activities, all day long, at this annual event. It all starts off with a traditional pancake breakfast from 8-10 a.m. in the Pavilion, with live entertainment while you eat from the Sizzling Seniors and the Parks and Recreation Department Dancers. In the afternoon, bring a picnic lunch or purchase all-American food delights from local organizations, while fun activities like carnival games, face painting and swimming at the International Swim Center take place, for small fees. A flag dedication in honor of Independence Day will take place at noon, with live bands taking the stage starting at 12:30, with dancing until 5 p.m.

 

4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR

When: Monday, July 4, starting at 5 p.m.

Where: Shoreline Amphitheater, 1 Amphitheater Parkway, Mountain View.

What: If you want something a little more glamorous and elaborate, consider bringing the family to Shoreline this year. The doors open at 5 p.m., and the celebration kicks off with a fun family festival by Radio Disney, featuring a prize wheel, mini-golf and basketball, and live entertainment by Radio Disney teen superstar, Amber Lily. At 8 p.m., the San Francisco Symphony performs and the fireworks will commence shortly after dark, so you’re sure to have a spectacular seat. A family four-pack of tickets is $19.25. Upper level seats are $18 each, lawn seats are $24 each, and lower level seats are $35 each. Processing fees apply in addition to ticket prices.


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