Contra Costa Herald

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

Concord to celebrate Independence Day with 5K & kids fun runs, parade, festival and fireworks!

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The 2023 Concord July 4th 5K & Kids Fun Run, Parade, Festival and Firework presented by Marathon is going to be a day filled with fun. The day begins down at Todos Santos Park at 8am with a kid’s fun run & 5k along with the Rotary Pancake Breakfast, at 10 am will be the 32nd Annual Independence Day Parade, then at 4pm at Mt. Diablo High School the gates will open for our Festival that will include Live Music, a Kids Carnival, local food, and vendor booths. Finally, at 9pm will be a Fireworks Spectacular over Concord. Presented by the Todos Santos Business Association Arts Foundation.

All the days information can be found at www.concordjuly4th.com

Festival & Fireworks Event Notes: No Smoking, No Dogs, No Alcohol. Bags will be checked by security upon entry.

Schedule

Events at Todos Santos Plaza
8:00 am – Stars & Stripes Kids Fun Run
8:00 am – Rotary Pancake Breakfast
8:15 am – Stars & Stripes 5k Run & Walk
10:00 am – Independance Day Parade
Events at Mt. Diablo High School
4:00 PM – Festival Gates Open
9:00 PM – Fireworks over Concord

All the day’s information can be found at www.concordjuly4th.com

Thank you to your sponsors:

Title Sponsor: Marathon

Stripes Sponsor: Mt. Diablo Resource Recovery, The Hop Grenade Taproom & Bottleshop

Stars Sponsor: Pacific Service Credit Union, Johnmuirhealth, AssetMark, Inc.

Blue Sponsors: Brenden Theatres Concord 14, IBEW Local 302, Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 104

Special Thanks to: City of Concord, California, Mt. Diablo Unified School District, Visit Concord, CA, Greater Concord CA Chamber of Commerce, Tim McGallian & Carlyn Obringer

4th of July Parade and 5K Run/Walk Road Closures

There will be several road closures in place and restricted street parking during the morning hours of July 4th to accommodate the Concord Police Association’s Stars and Stripes 5k Run and Walk and the Concord Independence Day Parade.

Several streets will be closed from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. for the Concord Police Association’s Stars and Stripes 5k Run and Walk. The following road closures will be in place:

  • Grant Street from Willow Pass Road to Pacheco Street.
  • Colfax Street from Willow Pass Road to the parking garage entrance
  • East Street from Willow Pass Road to Pacheco Street
  • Port Chicago Highway from Willow Pass Road to Pacheco Street
  • Salvio Street from Mt Diablo Street in the downtown area to Esperanza Drive
  • Beach Street, Parkside Circle and Parkside Drive from Salvio Street to Baldwin Park
  • Cedar, Date, Elm, Fir and Pacheco Streets south of Baldwin Park will be open but affected due to the run route
  • Esperanza Drive from Salvio Street to N. Sixth Street
  • Bonifacio Street from N. Sixth St to Port Chicago Highway
  • Erie Drive between Esperanza Drive and Claudia Drive
  • Claudia Drive between Erie Drive and N. Sixth Street
  • N. Sixth Street between Claudia Drive and Port Chicago Highway will remain open

The most significant closure for the 5K run will be on Salvio Street between Port Chicago Highway and Mt Diablo Street as participants of all abilities are completing the race. Other streets in the immediate area will be impacted. Many of the above closures will be very brief. The Concord Police Association will have volunteers monitoring the course and will work to accommodate residents and business owners within the closure.

At 9:30 a.m. personnel will set up for the Annual 4th of July Parade. The Parade will start at Mt Diablo High School and proceed toward downtown via Grant Street. The procession will make a right turn onto Willow Pass Road then a right turn onto Mt Diablo Street, heading back to the high school. Streets in the immediate area of the parade route will be closed.

Those arriving for the parade during the 5K Run/Walk are encouraged to park in the parking garage at the intersection of Pacheco Street and Concord Avenue by accessing it from the Pacheco Street side.

The parking garage near Concord Avenue will have the Pacheco Street entrance available all day for entrance only and the Salvio Street side for exit only. The parking garage near Colfax Street will have the Colfax Street side open for entrance and exit all day.

Please enjoy your 4th of July safely!

 

 

 

 

Celebrate Independence Day in Walnut Creek enjoying the annual Concert in the Park

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Plan on spending your Independence Day in Civic Park, with a 6:00 p.m. free concert. The Walnut Creek Concert Band will play all the classics. Bring a blanket or chairs and enjoy an evening of music and fun. Contra Costa County Fire Protection District wants to remind everyone that all fireworks, even sparklers, are illegal throughout the County. There are professional displays in some communities where fireworks can be viewed.

“Happy (early) Independence Day! In Walnut Creek, that means the traditional concert in the park from the Walnut Creek Concert Band,” writes City Manager Dan Buckshi. “I hope you’ll come out, Tuesday to Civic Park. The concert begins at 6:00 p.m. There will be plenty of chairs for visitors, but you’re also welcome to bring a blanket and a picnic as well.

This is one of the Concert Band’s biggest annual events, and the weather should be perfect for an evening of entertainment. It’s a great way to kick off the summer.”

 

Moraga to celebrate Independence Day with dog parade, music, food, family fun and fireworks!

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The Town of Moraga is excited to resume its beloved July 4th traditions and honor the Independence Day Holiday with its iconic Fourth of July Celebration and Fireworks display.

The Celebration takes place at Moraga Commons Park – 1425 St. Mary’s Road. The event kicks off at 11:00 am with a day full of family-oriented activities and concludes with a spectacular firework display at 9:30 pm.

Thank you to the community groups and sponsors who have partnered with the Town to ensure a spectacular event for all.

  • Moraga Park Foundation – Concert Sponsor
  • Kiwanis Club – Inflatable Jumpies
  • Lions Club –Wine and Beer Service
  • Kiwanis and Lions Club – Food Service

 

 

Orinda to celebrate Independence Day with breakfast, parade, dinner and fireworks

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Plus, Flag Raising, Fun Run for a Reason, Library Book Sale and Music in the Park

The Orinda Association presents the 2023 July 4th Celebration with the theme of Earth Kindness.

Join us at the Best Hometown Parade. Thank you to our generous sponsors. For more information: https://orindaassociation.org/4th-of-july-parade.

Have a safe and happy 4th of July!

 

San Ramon to celebrate Independence Day with Eagles tribute band concert

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By City of San Ramon

The San Ramon Fourth of July Celebration Concert will feature The Boys of Summer, an Eagles Tribute Band, and a celebration of the City of San Ramon’s 40th Anniversary. The concert will take place tomorrow in San Ramon’s Central Park Amphitheater at 12501 Alcosta Boulevard, from 5–8 p.m.

The evening will begin at 5 p.m. with a reading by the San Ramon Poet Laureate, followed by patriotic music performed by Olympia Fields, the brass section of the San Ramon Symphonic Band, followed by a salute and recognition of our Veterans and active-duty military personnel, and the singing of the National Anthem by San Ramon resident Sofie Donati. The headliner, The Boys of Summer, an Eagles tribute band, will take the stage at 6 p.m. and entertain the crowd with The Eagles’ greatest hits.

Additionally, food will be available for purchase from sweet and savory food truck vendors. The San Ramon Arts Foundation will have wine, beer, soda, and water available for purchase. Shade structures, tents, and umbrellas will only be permitted at the top of the ridge/hill to ensure lines of site remain open.

Danville to celebrate Independence Day with Kiwanis July 4th parade

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Celebrating our Educators in Downtown Danville  

By Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley

The Kiwanis-Danville Parade will take place on Tuesday, July 4th, 2023 from 9am-noon in downtown Danville, California.

This year’s parade theme is Celebrating our Educators and our Grand Marshal is Chavonta Edington, Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year.

The Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley has organized and conducted the annual Kiwanis 4th of July Parade in partnership with the Town of Danville since 1975. The parade attracts 30,000-40,000 spectators each year and is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate America’s birth.

The parade is co-sponsored by the Town of Danville, supported by community groups such as the Aktion Club, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts, National Charity League, and Boys Team Charity, and sponsored by local businesses and individuals (see our Sponsors page). All proceeds raised are redistributed to local nonprofits through grants issued by the San Ramon Valley Kiwanis Foundation (see our Grants page).

PARADE DETAILS

Date & Time

The parade will begin at 9:00am on the morning of Tuesday, July 4th, 2023, and will run 2.5 to 3 hours.

Location

The Parade will take place along Hartz Avenue and San Ramon Valley Boulevard from approximately 9am to noon, starting at San Ramon Valley High School at Railroad Avenue. The Parade route will end at Town and Country Drive like last year. The parade can be seen from either side of the street and there is always plenty of room for everyone!

Seating

Sidewalk space is available for bring-your-own-seating on a first come, first served basis after 6:00 p.m. on Monday, July 3rd. Unattended seating positioned along the route prior to 6:00 p.m. are subject to removal by the Town. Parade-goers are kindly asked to respect the following:

  • Do not block handicap accessible ramps on the street corners or sidewalk access. Please be mindful of those who need to use the ramps as well as local merchants and property owners along the parade route. All unattended items set-out prior to 6:00 p.m. on Monday, July 3rd are subject to removal. Please note that the Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley, Town of Danville, and other organizing groups are not responsible for lost or stolen items.
  • Chalk and tape may NOT be used to reserve seating along the parade route as it creates a mess and in no way reserves your space. Volunteers and/or Town Maintenance staff may remove these markings and materials as part of the sweep.
  • Please be considerate. The downtown Danville area will be very crowded before, during, and after the parade. In addition to the above requests, everyone in attendance is asked to exercise patience, consideration, and common sense throughout the event and cooperate with one another so that all can see and enjoy this great annual tradition.

Parking

Parking is available at several municipal lots including:

  • Clock Tower Parking Lot
  • Danville Library/Community Center Parking Lot
  • Front Street Municipal Parking Lot
  • Railroad Avenue Municipal Parking Lot
  • Rose Street Parking Lot
  • Village Theatre Parking Lot

Given the expected crowd size, parking in or near the downtown Danville area will be very limited and alternative travel arrangements such as walking or biking are strongly recommended. Parade-goers may consider parking at the Sycamore Park & Ride parking lot and use Iron Horse Trail to walk to the downtown Danville area. Accessible parking near the parade route is available at the Crossroads Shopping Center located at Hartz Way and San Ramon Valley Blvd. in the back by JD Academy Of Salon + Spa. Accessible seating along the parade route will be offered at the grandstand viewing area at Oak Court and San Ramon Valley Blvd. A golf cart shuttle will be available to transport individuals to the viewing area from the Crossroads Shopping Center.

Street Closures

The streets along and surrounding the parade route will close at approximately 6am on the day of the parade. Please arrive early and plan on parking on the outskirts of town and walking or biking to downtown Danville.

Tentatively, the following streets will be closed:

  • Danville Boulevard between El Cerro Boulevard and Railroad Avenue
  • Railroad Avenue between Hartz Avenue. and Love Lane
  • La Gonda Way between El Cerro Boulevard and Danville Boulevard
  • Prospect Avenue between Hartz Avenue and Front Street
  • East Linda Mesa Avenue between Hartz Avenue and the Rose Street Parking Lot
  • Hartz Avenue between Railroad Avenue and Hartz Way
  • San Ramon Valley Boulevard between Hartz Way and Town and Country Drive
  • Town and Country Drive between San Ramon Valley Boulevard and Sheri Lane

Through traffic may utilize Danville Boulevard from north of El Cerro Boulevard and San Ramon Valley Boulevard south of Sycamore Valley Road West. The parking lots for Danville Town and Country, Danville Livery, and Sycamore Square will be open and accessible.

Animals

Due to noise, crowds, heat, the presence of young children, and nature of the event, we do not advise bringing non-service animals to the parade.

Refreshments

Some businesses in the downtown Danville area will be open during the parade and may offer food and beverages for purchase. Street vendors are not permitted. Parade-goers are encouraged to bring refreshments with them to the parade.

Per Town of Danville ordinances, consumption of alcohol in a non-designated area is STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

Promotional Items

Many parade entrants choose to distribute promotional items to parade-goers along the parade route. While we welcome this tradition, please note that parade entrants are only permitted to hand items out during the parade, and entrants are NOT PERMITTED to throw items under any circumstances. Spraying water is also strictly prohibited.

We ask members of the community to assist entrants in abiding by these important rules by not encouraging the throwing of items or spraying of water during the parade.

Public Safety

In addition to the safety tips provided throughout this page, the Danville Police Department requests the community’s assistance in reporting any suspicious activity: If you see something, say something.

Please report any suspicious activity to law enforcement personnel patrolling the parade route. If you cannot locate an officer and feel something constitutes a safety hazard and should be dealt with immediately, call 911. If you feel what you are seeing does not need an immediate response, you can contact the Danville Police Department’s non-emergency number, (925) 820-2144.

For more information click here.

Brentwood to celebrate Independence Day with parades, Carnique, music, drone show

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By City of Brentwood

Join us for an unforgettable celebration as we kick off festivities with our Brentwood Classic July 4th Parade at 9:30 AM on Tuesday, July 4th! Splash at the Aquatic Complex at noon. Cool off at the Community Center or take a refreshing swim at the Liberty Pool. Enjoy food and live entertainment. Finally, be awed by the breathtaking drone show at 9:05 PM. It’ll be an incredible day of festivities for the whole family!

CHILDREN’S PARADE 9:30 AM

The Children’s Parade will begin at 9:30 AM, followed immediately by the main parade. Pre-registration is not required for the Children’s Parade. Children may dress up and use bicycles, roller skates, non-motorized scooters, wagons, strollers, and small battery-motorized play vehicles. The line begins at 1st and Birch Streets.

MAIN PARADE

The main parade will begin immediately following the Children’s Parade, traveling from the corner of 1st and Birch Street, turning right on Oak Street, and ending in front of the Community Center.

CARNIQUE 4:00 – 9:00 PM

At 4 PM, head downtown for the Brentwood Lions’ Club iconic Carnique presented by the City of Brentwood. Enjoy carnival games, delicious food, and a concert in the park.

The Brentwood Lion’s Club Carnique, presented by the City of Brentwood. Carnique was a combination BBQ/Carnival hosted by the Brentwood Lions Club for 35 years beginning in the late 1950’s. As we celebrate Brentwood’s 75th Anniversary, the Lions Club has generously allowed us to bring back this event to mark this important occasion.

CARNIVAL GAMES 4:00 – 7:00PM

18 classic carnival games for all ages will be located along Oak Street, between 1st and 2nd Streets. Tickets are $0.50 each or purchase an unlimited play wristband for $20. In the spirit of the original Carnique event which focused on fundraising, all proceeds from carnival game ticket sales will be donated to the non-profit groups volunteering to run the games.

FOOD VENDORS 4:00 – 9:00 PM

A wide assortment of food will be available for sale including BBQ, seafood, carnival favorites, desserts and international flavors to represent Brentwood’s diverse backgrounds. Portions of food sales will be donated to the Brentwood Lions Club and the Parks and Recreation Youth Scholarship Fund. Tables and chairs will be available along Oak Street in front of City Park.

COMMUNITY CENTER 4:00 – 9:00 PM

The Community Center will be open for those who want to cool off, learn about activities and facilities, buy a limited-edition retro Brentwood shirt or hat, or check out the Community Highlights videos in the Main Hall.

RECREATION SWIM AT LIBERTY POOL

4:00 – 7:00 PM Come take a dip in the new Jack W. Ferrill Aquatic Center at Liberty High School. Swimming at the Liberty High School pool was a popular activity during the original Carnique event, and it remains a favorite way for many Brentwood residents to cool off, even today.

CONCERTS IN THE PARK 7:00 – 9:00 PM

Get ready to rock in City Park! RagDolls will take the stage bringing Aerosmith’s iconic sound, energy, and stage presence.

LIGHT UP THE NIGHT DRONE SHOW 9:05 PM

Presented by the Downtown Brentwood Coalition, this one-of-a-kind experience will wrap up an incredible day of celebrating Independence Day in Brentwood. Several great viewing locations include City Park, downtown streets and the Liberty High School Football Field.

STREET CLOSURES FOR TUESDAY, 4TH OF JULY

Please be advised that during the upcoming 4th of July celebration, certain streets in the downtown area will be closed to vehicular traffic starting at 6:00 AM on July 4, 2023. Parking restrictions will be enforced.

Please anticipate traffic delays when heading downtown. We encourage residents to use alternative transportation options such as carpooling, walking, or biking.

City of El Cerrito and worldOne Radio to host 4th of July Festival

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Plus, 25th worldOne Festival Monday, July 3

By City of El Cerrito

We are excited to celebrate with the El Cerrito community and supporters once again on Tuesday, July 4 from 11am-5pm at Cerrito Vista Park, corner of Moeser Lane and Pomona Avenue.

The City of El Cerrito Recreation Department hosted the first co-sponsored 4th of July Festival with worldOne in 1998. Since then, the festival has grown into a world-class hometown institution featuring high quality musical performances, family entertainment such as rides and bounce houses, non-profits and civic organization booths, vendors and food booths and trucks offering a wide variety of cuisines, plus, a Classic Car Showcase.

After a two-year hiatus during the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Festival returned in summer 2022 thanks to the generous support of sponsors and individual donors. The City is committed to annual fundraising efforts to make sure the 4th of July Festival comes back year after year and remains fiscally sustainable and accessible to all.

Classic Car Showcase

The City of El Cerrito/worldOne 4th of July Festival Classic Car Showcase is the perfect place to show off your car! The showcase will be held from 11am to 2pm on Moeser Lane adjacent to Cerrito Vista Park. If you are interested in participating in the 2023 Classic Car Showcase, please note the following information as you complete your application:

  • Space is limited.
  • Car Clubs must arrive together to park together, Spaces are first come, first served.
  • Electricity is not available.
  • Chairs and canopies will NOT be provided. You may bring your own.
  • Vehicles must vacate the area by 4 pm.
  • Once your application is received and accepted, there are no refunds. The event takes place rain or shine.

Completed application and payment of $5 are due by Monday, July 3, 2023. Day of registration not guaranteed and are subject to availability.

Parking

Limited ADA parking is available at the El Cerrito Community Center Parking Lot (7007 Moeser Lane)

Street Parking around the Festival Grounds (please note streets immediately surrounding Cerrito Vista Park will be closed)

Carpools strongly encouraged for those driving to the festival!

Bike Parking

FREE Bike Valet for those biking to the Festival hosted by the El Cerrito Strollers & Rollers and the ECHS Mountain Bike Team

For more information click here.

 

 

 

San Pablo to celebrate Independence Day with 4th of July Multi-Cultural Celebration

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Aerial drone light show

The City of San Pablo is excited to announce the return of the 4th of July Multi-Cultural Celebration Event!

Enjoy live music, food, carnival games and entertainment. Headliners Kalimba-The Spirit of Earth Wind and Fire.

NEW this year – aerial drone light show! (No firework show, this year.)

Tuesday, July 4, 2023 5:00-10:00 pm

San Pablo Community Center (2450 Road 20)

FREE!  Gates open at 5:00 pm

Parking:
Along Road 20

Rock Harbor Church – corner of Road 20 and Chuch Lane

Overflow parking at Contra Costa College

Shuttle service from Contra Costa College to the event 5:00 – 8:30 pm.

Thank you to our sponsor: San Pablo Senior Advisory Board