Contra Costa Herald

News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California

Celebrate America’s 250th Independence Day at “Freedom Over Crockett” with fireworks and more

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Honoring America’s Independence • California Heritage • Community Pride

Includes historical walk, live big band music, car show, food and family friendly fun

By Crockett Chamber of Commerce and the Historical Society & Crockett Museum

Get ready for an unforgettable Independence Day celebration in the historic waterfront town of Crockett — a full day of live music, local history, patriotic spirit, community gathering, food, family fun, and hometown pride along the beautiful Carquinez Strait.

This exciting community celebration combines history, entertainment, and small-town Americana into one incredible event designed for residents, visitors, families, and history lovers of all ages.

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A HISTORIC YEAR OF CELEBRATION

This year’s celebration proudly commemorates the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the 250th Anniversary of the Juan Bautista de Anza Expedition, one of the most significant historic journeys in California history.

On July 4, 1776 — the exact same day the Declaration of Independence was being signed in Philadelphia — the Anza Expedition reached its final destination in what would later become San Francisco.

Along their historic journey through California, the expedition passed directly through Crockett, forever connecting our town to one of the most important migrations and exploration routes in the state’s history.

This Fourth of July, the community will honor that incredible legacy by inviting guests to literally walk in the footsteps of history during a guided historical walk experience through Crockett.

The celebration also honors another important milestone in Crockett history — the legacy of the iconic C&H Sugar refinery.

Officially beginning operations in 1906, the refinery now celebrates nearly 120 years of industrial and community history in Crockett.

Today, the refinery continues producing approximately 14% of the nation’s cane sugar, making it one of the most historically important and recognizable landmarks in California industry.

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EVENT INFORMATION

Saturday, July 4, 2026

Event Location: Rithet Park – intersection of Rolph & Loring Avenues, Crockett

FREE ADMISSION

ALL AGES WELCOME

FAMILY-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY EVENT

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POWERFUL HISTORICAL WALK ON THE ANZA EXPEDITION TRAIL

Walk in the Footsteps of History

Step back in time and experience a living piece of California history right here in Crockett.

Led by Madeline of Hatch Services, this immersive guided historical walk will bring the past to life through engaging storytelling, local historical insight, and a meaningful community experience along the trail route connected to the historic Juan Bautista de Anza Expedition.

Historical Walk Activities Begin at 11:00 AM

Guests will gather at Scouts Hall for refreshments and snacks before beginning the historic walking experience.

Participants will walk to and from the bridge while hearing fascinating stories and historical information about:
• The Juan Bautista de Anza Expedition

  • The settlement and exploration of early California
  • Crockett’s industrial and waterfront heritage
  • The development of the Carquinez Strait region
  • The history and legacy of the C&H Sugar refinery
  • Historic migration routes and local landmarks

The importance of Crockett in California history

This powerful historical experience is designed to educate, inspire, and connect the community through storytelling, patriotism, and cultural heritage.

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LIVE BIG BAND MUSIC

Following the historical walk, guests will return to Rithet Park for an exciting afternoon of live music and celebration featuring:

  • Steve Snyder’s Big Band
  • LIVE from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Enjoy a vibrant Independence Day soundtrack featuring:
  • Classic Big Band Favorites
  • Patriotic American Standards
  • Timeless Jazz Classics
  • Swing & Dance Favorites
  • Community Celebration Music

Bring your lawn chairs, relax with family and friends, and enjoy an authentic hometown Fourth of July atmosphere filled with live entertainment and community spirit.

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FOOD • CARS • FAMILY FUN • COMMUNITY

The celebration will feature an exciting lineup of activities and attractions throughout the day including:

  • Delicious Food Trucks & Local Favorites
  • Community Car Show Featuring Classic & Specialty Vehicles
  • Pie Eating Contest – $150 GRAND PRIZE for the Pie Eating Contest Winner-sign up @ crockettchamber@aol.com
  • Tons of Family-Friendly Activities & Festivities, Bocce court
  • Beautiful Waterfront & Carquinez Strait Views
  • Great Photo Opportunities Throughout the Event
  • Patriotic Community Gathering Areas

Visitors are encouraged to spend the entire day enjoying the festivities, music, food, shopping, and community celebration.

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SHOP AROUND TOWN

Support local businesses during the celebration!

Shops and businesses throughout Crockett will be OPEN and offering SPECIALS during the event.

Guests are encouraged to explore Crockett’s charming downtown businesses, restaurants, local shops, and historic areas while enjoying the Fourth of July festivities.

This celebration is designed not only to honor history and community spirit, but also to help support local businesses and encourage visitors to experience everything Crockett has to offer.

Stop by the Historical Society & Crockett Museum to join in on a time capsule, bring an item and to view the C&H exhibit.

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IMPORTANT EVENT INFORMATION

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NO ALCOHOL WILL BE SERVED AT THIS EVENT

Guests are encouraged to BRING THEIR OWN COOLERS with beverages and refreshments.

Please BRING YOUR OWN LAWN CHAIRS and picnic seating for comfort during the live music performances and festivities.

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for those participating in the historical walk experience.

Sunscreen, hats, and bottled water are also encouraged for daytime activities.

This is a FREE, FAMILY-FRIENDLY, ALL-AGES EVENT welcoming residents and visitors from throughout Contra Costa County, the East Bay and beyond.

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A TRUE HOMETOWN AMERICA CELEBRATION

“Freedom Over Crockett” continues the proud tradition of bringing the community together through music, history, patriotism, local culture, and hometown pride.

Historically supported by the Crockett Chamber of Commerce and the Historical Society and Crockett Museum, this annual celebration reflects the heart and spirit of Crockett while honoring:

  • America’s enduring spirit of freedom
  • The 250th Anniversary of the Juan Bautista de Anza Expedition
  • California’s rich historical and cultural heritage
  • Crockett’s industrial and waterfront legacy
  • Community traditions, live music, and family celebration
  • Community unity, local pride, and historical preservation

Whether you are a long-time resident, a returning visitor or experiencing Crockett for the very first time, this unforgettable Fourth of July celebration promises a full day of history, entertainment, family fun, music, food, and patriotic spirit in one of the East Bay’s most unique and historic waterfront communities.

Celebrate Freedom • Celebrate History • Celebrate Crockett

We would like to also thank our Sponsors Phillips 66 and C&H Sugar, celebrating 120 years making sugar in Crockett.

Walnut Creek to celebrate America’s 250th, California’s 175th with patriotic concert July 4th

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By City of Walnut Creek

Spend Independence Day with the Walnut Creek Concert Band!

Join the Walnut Creek Concert Band at Civic Park on Saturday, July 4, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. for a free evening of patriotic music as we celebrate Independence Day.

This year’s concert is also a wonderful way to commemorate two historic milestones: the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 175th anniversary of California.

Lawn chairs and blankets are recommended. Bring your family, pack a picnic and enjoy this beloved community tradition before the evening’s festivities.

Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday in Clayton July 4th

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With pancake breakfast, parade

By City of Clayton

The Fourth is coming. Come celebrate the biggest party of our lifetime as America celebrates its 250th Birthday.

On Saturday, July 4th, we invite you to partake in the celebration during Clayton’s annual Independence Day parades.

A pancake breakfast will be held from 7 am to 10 am at Endeavor Hall (costing $10 for adults and $7 for children under ten). The Kids Parade will commence at 10 am, followed closely by the Annual 4th of July Parade on Oak Street. We look forward to your presence!

Whether you want to be part of the fun or just kick back and watch it all visit www.claytonca.gov for more details and information or click, here.

Danville to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with parade, entertainment July 4th

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Proclamation to veterans July 3rd

By Town of Danville & Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley

Danville’s biggest community tradition is almost here. The Kiwanis-Danville 4th of July Parade brings neighbors, families, friends and the whole community together for a morning of celebration in Downtown Danville.

The parade takes place Saturday, July 4 from 9 a.m. to noon, with floats, music and plenty of red, white and blue along the route.

The parade will feature more than 100 participating groups, with thousands of spectators expected to line the route for one of Danville’s most anticipated summer celebrations. This year’s event also carries special national significance as communities across the country prepare to mark America’s 250th anniversary.

The weekend recognition will begin Friday, July 3, at 10 a.m., when a proclamation will be presented to Veterans Service Organizations at the Veterans Memorial Building. The presentation will recognize the service and sacrifice of veterans as Danville prepares for Independence Day and the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Make your plans to join the community for a festive morning along the parade route.

Honoring SRVUSD: Great schools + great students = great community!

This year’s 2026 Parade Grand Marshal is San Ramon Valley Unified School District.

2026 marks the 51st anniversary that the Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley first began organizing and conducting the 4th of July Parade in Danville, and Kiwanis has presented a Parade every year since, including the virtual Parade that was held online in COVID year 2020.

Find more details about the parade, entertainment, and upcoming community events at danville.ca.gov/summer or Parade — Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley.

San Ramon to celebrate America’s 250th Independence Day with 40th annual run, concert July 4th

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By City of San Ramon

Kick off America’s 250th with patriotic music on the 4th of July from Olympia Fields Brass followed by a high-energy concert featuring The Cheeseballs, an internationally traveling dance band bringing you the best of funk and soul with hits from the ’80s, ’90s and today. Grab your friends, family, and picnic blanket for a spectacular evening of dancing, singing, and summer fun under the stars. Beer, wine, and food truck purchases available.

Central Park Amphitheater – 7000 Bollinger Canyon Road

  • Olympia Fields Brass | 5:00 p.m.
  • The Cheeseballs | 6:00 p.m.
  • Food trucks available
  • Beer & wine available for purchase
  • FREE Admission

Source: City of San Ramon

Bring your lawn chairs, picnic blankets, family and friends for a night of patriotic music, dancing and summer fun under the stars. There will be no fireworks display.

Additional parking available at Iron Horse Middle School. Please see map for ADA parking and Loading and Unloading Area.

For more information visit sanramon.ca.gov/events.

40th Annual Run San Ramon

The 2026 Run San Ramon presented by the City of San Ramon is celebrating its 40th year! Sign up today to run this Independence Day classic Get a healthy start to your 4th of July by enjoying the paved, looped 5K/10K course through San Ramon or the out-and-back Fastest Mile. All participants will receive a collectible, commemorative short-sleeve shirt, bib and participation medal with the 2026 logo.

The Run San Ramon is a chip timed race.

Start & Finish: San Ramon Community Center – 12501 Alcosta Blvd.

7:00am – Check-in & Race Day Registration Opens

8:00am – Fastest Mile Start

8:30am – 5K/10K Start

Register at SanRamon.ca.gov/FitnessRaces.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Lafayette to celebrate America’s 250th Independence Day Thursday, July 2nd

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By Lafayette Library and Learning Center

On Thursday, July 2, join us at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center for a fun community celebration to mark the 250th Anniversary of America’s Declaration of Independence! Proudly presented by the City of Lafayette, in partnership with the Lafayette Historical Society, the Acalanes Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Chapter, and All Ages Recreation Downtown (AARD), with special thanks to Front Porch Music. Everyone is welcome!

From 4pm to 6pm outside the library

  • Carnival games
  • Craft activities – hosted by AARD
  • Sign a giant copy of the Declaration of Independence and take a selfie with a founding father – hosted by the Acalanes DAR Chapter
  • Live music in the amphitheater by The Au Contraires as well as Janel and the Magdalena Sage Band
  • Learn about the Marquis de Lafayette
  • Complete the Passport Activities to receive a free USA flag!
  • Hot dogs and nachos available for purchase

Starting at 6pm in the Don Tatzin Community Hall

  • National Anthem performed by Janel Wagne
  • Comments by Mayor Carl Anduri
  • Mary McCosker will share the story of how our town got its name
  • Screening of Lafayette: The Lost Hero, a one-hour documentary on the Marquis’s extraordinary life and contributions to American independence.

The Lafayette Library and Learning Center and Don Tatzin Community Hall are located at 3491 Mount Diablo Blvd., in downtown Lafayette.

Details at www.lovelafayette.org/250th.

Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary at the Pittsburg Marina July 4th

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By City of Pittsburg

Get ready for an unforgettable Independence Day celebration as the City of Pittsburg proudly commemorates America’s 250th Anniversary with a spectacular waterfront fireworks show and community celebration!

Join us on Saturday, July 4, at the beautiful Pittsburg Marina for an evening filled with family friendly fun, great food, and patriotic excitement. Enjoy a variety of delicious food trucks along the marina, browse local vendors, and stop by the Waterfront Fireworks Party hosted by Dale Vino. Be sure to visit the Pittsburg Yacht Club 4th of July Membership Drive Party.

Then, as the sun sets, look to the sky for our dazzling fireworks spectacular beginning at 9:00 p.m. a breathtaking display you won’t want to miss!

Pittsburg Marina – 51 Marina Blvd., Pittsburg

Fireworks Show Begins at 9:00 p.m.

Sources: City of Pittsburg (left) and Gerald Glasper, Project 4 Band (right)

Space is limited, so we encourage attendees to arrive early and enjoy all the festivities.

Bring your family, friends, and patriotic spirit as we celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday together on Pittsburg’s beautiful waterfront. We look forward to celebrating with you!

Brentwood to celebrate America’s 250th Independence Day July 4th

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America 250: Agricultural Roots & the American Dream

By City of Brentwood

This Fourth of July, celebrate more than America’s birthday. Celebrate the story of Brentwood.

Join us for America 250: Agricultural Roots & the American Dream, a one-of-a-kind community celebration that explores how our local history connects to the nation’s 250-year journey.

The day begins with the Children’s Parade and Brentwood Classic Parade at 9:30 AM, traveling from First & Birch through Historic Downtown to the Brentwood Community Center. Then, from 11:30 AM-3:00 PM, the celebration comes to life throughout City Park, the Community Center, Historic Downtown, and the Veterans Memorial Hall.

Along the way, you’ll experience Brentwood’s past, present, and future through interactive exhibits, local organizations, entertainment, and family activities.

Discover Brentwood’s agricultural heritage with Harvest Time’s 50th Anniversary activation, visit Spinola Farm to purchase exclusive U-Pick Capital shirts, and learn about the people and places that shaped our community with the East Contra Costa Historical Society and the John Marsh Historic Trust.

Enjoy live music by The Ragdolls, a lineup of local favorites from The Foodie Crew, family activities including a mini train ride, arts and crafts, face painting, balloon art, and lawn games, plus the Veterans Memorial Hall Car Show, free hot dogs, live music, and a Historical Flag Scavenger Hunt.

While you’re here, stroll through Historic Downtown and vote for your favorite storefront in the Downtown Brentwood Coalition’s America 250 Business Decorating Contest.

Every stop tells a different chapter of Brentwood’s story.

See the City’s Facebook page for everything happening on July 4, then make plans to celebrate America’s 250th birthday right here in Brentwood.

37th Annual Art & Wind Festival blowing back into San Ramon May 24-25

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By City of San Ramon

Let’s go fly a kite!  at the 37th Annual San Ramon Art & Wind Festival, the best festival in the East Bay. The Art & Wind Festival is scheduled for Sunday and Monday, May 24-25, 2026, in San Ramon’s Central Park, 12501 Alcosta Blvd. from 11am to 6pm both days.

This annual event features fine arts, crafts and specialty food vendors, three entertainment stages headlining international music, party bands and variety entertainers, children’s shows, two festival food courts, family amusement zones, professional choreographed kite flying demonstrations, helicopter landing, free kite making workshop, puppet shows and much more.

The Art and Wind Festival is a family, bike and pet-friendly FREE outdoor event!

For individuals with additional sensory needs, check out the Sensory Zone at City Hall for a quiet break from the festival without having to leave.

For more information visit ArtandWind.com.

Bay Area Military Appreciation BBQ in Martinez May 25

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Hosted by Nuvision Credit Union in partnership with VFW Post 1351 & American Legion Post 29

By Bill Meyer, AVP, Communications, Nuvision Credit Union

May is Military Appreciation Month, and Nuvision Credit Union is proud to be honoring local veterans this Memorial Day.  Nuvision is privileged to partner with VFW Post 1351 and American Legion Post 29 for the credit union’s upcoming Memorial Day Military Appreciation BBQ in Martinez, California.

The event is free and  takes place on Monday, May 25th from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Veterans Memorial Building, 930 Ward Street, Martinez.

The BBQ is to honor and thank the men and women who serve our country, welcoming all veterans, active-duty military members, and the families that serve alongside them.  The BBQ is open and free to all who have served, active military, and their families.

Baseball players from the Martinez Sturgeon, an independent professional baseball team, will be in attendance to honor our veterans and active military for their service and sacrifice, and will be serving lunch to attendees.

The luncheon will also highlight veteran-focused initiatives supported through local American Legion leadership, including programs and services benefitting veterans and their families.

Active military and veterans interested in attending are invited to register for the free BBQ.

Nuvision Credit Union Background:

  • Headquartered in Huntington Beach, California, Nuvision was founded in 1935. Today, the credit union has more than $3.8 billion in assets.
  • Nuvision has 6 branches in the Bay Area, serving the communities of Martinez, Walnut Creek, Brentwood, Pleasanton, Berkeley and Hayward.
  • Nuvision serves more than 200,000+ members in 5 states, including California, Alaska, Washington State, Wyoming and Arizona.

Website: nuvisionfederal.com